Man Utd board's three options to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after dire Man City defeat
Manchester United were outplayed by Manchester City in Saturday's Premier League clash.
Posted Sunday, November 07, 2021 by Express.co.uk
Manchester United were dire again as Manchester City cruised to victory at Old Trafford in Saturday's Premier League clash. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side went into the game hoping to build on their 3-0 win over Tottenham last week. But, instead, the Red Devils were played off the pitch on their own turf.
United had also drawn with Atalanta in midweek, giving them momentum going into the match against City.
But, once again, the Red Devils were outplayed. And, for the second time in a row, they were beaten at home.
Eric Bailly's own goal put the visitors in front, with the Ivory Coast international awkwardly slicing into his net.
And Bernardo Silva then scored before the interval to make the game safe for City.
A Cristiano Ronaldo volley aside, United seldom looked like scoring. And, given their vast attacking talent, that's a concern.
Express Sport will now take a look at three options for the Glazers to consider if they choose to sack Solskjaer in the aftermath of this latest setback.
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer oversaw difficult Man City defeat
Zinedine Zidane
United didn't move for Antonio Conte over the past week, with the Italian now choosing to take over at Tottenham instead.
Conte had previously been seen as the frontrunner to take over but, now, that mantle has passed to Zinedine Zidane.
Zidane is on the market following his departure from Real Madrid last summer and, as a three-time Champions League winner as a manager, had the pedigree to take on one of the biggest jobs in the world.
There have been claims that the 49-year-old is waiting for the France job and enjoying his time off.
But United would be wise to pick up the phone and do all they can to convince Zidane into taking the job at Old Trafford.
Erik Ten Hag
Erik Ten Hag has worked wonders at Ajax.
He guided them to the semi-finals of the Champions League two years ago and has his own attack-minded philosophy.
Right now, the Dutchman is happy in his homeland. But if United come calling, he could find the chance to replace Solskjaer too tough to turn down.
Ten Hag plays attractive football, gives youth a chance and is clearly confident in his coaching ability.
Getting him out of his job at Ajax midway through a season could be tricky but he's another the Glazers would be right to get in touch with, especially given the way things under Solskjaer are going.
Mauricio Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino is currently focused on steering Paris Saint-Germain to Ligue 1 and Champions League glory.
But with the United board still admirers of the Argentine, it's feasible they'll try and lure him away from the Parc des Princes.
Pochettino, like Ten Hag, plays good football and gives youth a chance.
And while they've previously opted against a heavy pursuit of the Argentine, now is the time to strike.
Pochettino could be tempted into leaving PSG, with things not exactly plain-sailing over in France. And United should use their pedigree and might to bring him in - which is what they should have done instead of giving Solskjaer the job permanently back in March 2019.
Keane ‘gives up'
Speaking at half time, with City in control, Roy Keane said he gives up on these United players.
“Just on half time huge goal against City dominating possession but this defending from Shaw and De Gea, not enough pressure,” he said.
“You have to show intensity and put pressure. You're on the ropes stay in the game. You're like a boxer- stay in the game!
“I've been crossing these fellas for years - I give up. I give up on these players.
“These are international players, I give up. I can't understand the defending. I give up.”
Photos
More»
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea
Wednesday April 24 2024
Marcos Llorente’s wife wows in barely there swimsuit
Wednesday April 24 2024
Your Say