It must have been at least a couple of years ago that I first argued that the best reason for not sacking Solskjaer was the probability the board would appoint the wrong man, again, to succeed him.
We really need to get it right now, whether that's the ideal manager for the permanent role to get us competing with the elite teams, or (because the very best aren't available) a caretaker who can significantly improve us in the short term while moving our coaching in the direction that the permanent successor can build on.
For me the dangerous trap is that we appoint a manager who is sufficiently 'okay' in the board's untrained eye to keep the job but not to transform us into an elite team.
They show again and again an inability to think and act strategically on the sporting side of the organisation. I hope they have learnt lessons and that what happens next is informed by extensive consultation with the best hired brains in the industry. I'm fearful they will follow up the correct decision to sack Solskjaer with another set of wrong ones.
Critical moment
posted on 21/11/21
Zidane is the only man for me. The club needs someone with gravitas to attract the best players and who has won the biggest trophies and is mates with Paul Scholes.
posted on 21/11/21
I reckon if Zidane comes it will be the end for De Gea as he won’t pick players based on favourites like Ole does.
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Gareth Bale agrees
posted on 21/11/21
This is the fear. I have reservations about Zidane I have bigger reservations that it is the Glazers who want Zidane.... what the hell do they know? Linked with Rogers..... Leicester are not doing very well at all this year at all! I am really regretting not having got Conte.
posted on 21/11/21
The truth is we just gonna have to get lucky.
We have gone with sentimental choice, proven managers and handpicked managers all have failed.
There is not a single coach out there who someone won't have a "reservation" about and is guaranteed to bring us success.
We just gonna have to spin the wheel again and hope for the best...
posted on 21/11/21
I'm fearful they will follow up the correct decision to sack Solskjaer with another set of wrong ones.
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Yeah I think we're all in the same boat in that regard RR but we'll all have our own opinions on what is right or wrong in terms of the next manager.
I'm not all that fussed on who takes charge for the rest of the season but long term we should be moving heaven and earth to convince Erik ten Hag to take over next season. He's been my first choice since late 2019/early 2020.
Failing that I'd go for Potter as big a risk as it is. If he could get us playing like his Brighton team, we could be a really dominant, dangerous and exciting team to watch, which would be such a welcome relief after having to watch so much abject and disjointed football over the years, even if it didn't lead to winning the biggest competitions.
For me we need to stay away from coaches like Zidane. Not only because of the type of coach he is but I think him being in charge increases the chances of Ronaldo staying longer than he should.
It's wishful thinking but Ten Hag to be our new manager and getting rid of Ronaldo in the summer would be amazing.
posted on 21/11/21
Of course they will.
Until the direction of the club is re-formed, re-established and returned to personnel that are innovative, ambitious and insightful about operating a successful sports club, with the leanings towards, once again, leading pro-actively, the English league system in football coaching (instead of reacting and following lesser clubs), that's precisely what will happen.
That entails no nonsense about 'interim' this and that. The management/coaching team needs to be taken on long term. Real long term.
Sorting out the dreadful state of academy alone will take 5 years. Plus, getting a set of coaches in that have genuine understanding of the basics, regardless of how that sits with the w@nkers within the sports commentary departments of media outlets - which is a huge culture change.
This is a pivotal moment for the club. Do they continue to FOLLOW the ridiculous 'hire and fire' policy/strategy on the basis of fitting in with appeasing trends and fashions, or make a full blooded commitment to becoming the 'trend-setting', world sport's leading, Manchester United Football Club again.
posted on 21/11/21
Agree with Red Side on favourite candidates.
Agree with IAmMe too. What strange times we live in!
posted on 21/11/21
I can’t help think that the washing machine that is the current United situation would destroy Potter at this stage of his career
posted on 21/11/21
comment by Robbb Marsh (U22716)
posted 24 minutes ago
I can’t help think that the washing machine that is the current United situation would destroy Potter at this stage of his career
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You may be right.
I think it's fair to say that any coach will be working in an environment that isn't set up for success and their work will reap less rewards than at other clubs.
It's pure conjecture which manager is best suited to excel despite having to push against the grain. I guess that's mainly a question of character (and partly one of perceived stature). Potter's character sounds impressive but it's true it hasn't been tested at elite level and you never know how players who think they know it all will respond.
posted on 21/11/21
comment by Robbb Marsh (U22716)
posted 47 minutes ago
I can’t help think that the washing machine that is the current United situation would destroy Potter at this stage of his career
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Yeah, it’s not that unlikely. Especially coming in after Ole. In theory, it should be easier taking over from a manager that wasn’t good enough but so many of the fanbase that would have let Ole piiiiiss on them will be baying for blood at the first sign of trouble.