Should Ole Step Aside in the Summer?

Ole in? Ole out? Get someone else in and shake the club about? It all sounds a bit Hokey Pokey but, trust me, it’s not time to turn around and stop supporting our club legend – that’s not what it’s all about…

It’s been less than a year since he was made permanent and yet much is being made of the future of our current manager. The golden boy in those few months, he restored positivity to a lagging side and a lagging fanbase – and at the time, lest we forget, everyone correctly said to give him time based on the positive impact he had made to that point. So why is it, that we are now having to justify that decision?

Ole inherited a squad devoid of confidence, character and belief. A squad made up of a combination players bought in by four previous managers. A squad in need of an overhaul but one which was denied it, thanks to previous reputations.

It isn’t like this is something new. We’ve been here before. Yes it’s been the biggest change required in a long time – but the last time we needed an overhaul on this scale, what happened? We gave Sir Alex the time and space he needed – and we still take pride in our loyalty and the outcome. So why not now?

This was never going to be a quick fix.

Those who do not fit into Ole’s and United’s mentality are surplus to requirements and there are plenty. Some have been moved on but there are others too. This, on top of lack of investment into the squad, has left it very light on class and experience. While everyone was initially on board with this plan they seem to have forgotten that there is inevitable impact – we will still get more lows than highs until those replacements come in – but it is about the bigger picture. The long term goal, if you will.

The problem is, that lows are causing pain that no one wants to bear and the result is some fans looking at other managers who they think could lessen it. Instant gratification. That’s human nature but we need to weather this storm together and remind ourselves of where we have come from.

Ole has handled himself impeccably since he arrived. He has plenty of difficult situations and working under restrictions regarding budget and the ability of the board to complete deals in a timely manner. He could shift some pressure by questioning Pogba’s absence and commitment to the club but he puts the club first again and again. There is a future transfer fee to be got for Pogba and he won’t be responsible for lowering that by publicly questioning his character.

He is doing the same with Alexis. That loan deal is not working out as well as hoped due to injury but Ole said he will prove people wrong on his return. Does he mean it? Probably not, but if other clubs think United want to sell at any cost they will look for a cut price deal.

He’s got a business brain to boot – but it’s not appreciated and that’s just a lack of understanding.

Getting criticised for smiling in an interview after losing a game is another sure sign of it. Did it mean he was happy? Of course not. The same people who condemn him for it are the ones who criticised Jose for having a scowl and being abrupt after losing and also criticised LVG for continuing to talk about his philosophy. They like to mention his stint with Cardiff when they got relegated. Whatever fits their agenda is fine with them.

What needs to be remembered is how poorly the team played before Ole arrived. How defensive the players were – they were everything a Man Utd team is not. The manager’s signings have been excellent thus far. He is overhauling the squad for the better of the club knowing results and performances will fluctuate. He is protecting the younger players by managing their workload – knowing the long-term benefits will far outweigh the shorter ones. He is using his vast experience in selecting his transfer targets knowing what makes a great United player.

The board, players and fans all need to stick by him. Allow him to invest during the summer and go into next season with a team that he wants, not one that he inherited. Could Pochettino or Allegri do any better? Certainly not with the threadbare squad that Ole is working with.

Believe in the process and believe in the plan. This man will sacrifice everything, including himself, for the love of the club. That is something I can’t say about too many other people. So face the future with the realisation that there are still some bumps ahead on this road there but to get where we want, we need to continue to dance with this devil.