Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
When United v Arsenal used to be THE match feels like a century ago
AS SOLSKJAER CELEBRATES 100 MATCHES AS REDS BOSS, HE ADMITS THIS FEROCIOUS OLD RIVALRY ISN’T WHAT IT USED TO BE
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER will make it 100 not out tomorrow when old rivals Arsenal visit Old Trafford.
The Manchester United boss will reach a century of games in charge, since he replaced Jose Mourinho in December 2018 – taking on one of the toughest jobs in football.
Many questioned if the Norwegian would make it to the milestone – not least because, at times, the role has looked like a millstone for the club legend.
But he’s survived and it feels fitting that he will mark the occasion with a fixture that used to define English football.
United and the Gunners used to rule the domestic game and were involved in some legendary battles, spawned by the loathing Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger had for one another.
But times have changed, and even Solskjaer himself admits the rivalry is not what it used to be. He knows United have to get past bigger and better sides than Mikel Arteta’s these days, if they want to return to the top of the domestic game.
Solskjaer (right) said: “When I played, it was between us and Arsenal to win the league, so that was a very fierce rivalry and there are all sorts of stories about what happened.
“That ’s th e passion , th e excitement, the importance of those games. We knew, if we took six points off them, that’d be us winning the league more or less – and vice versa. There have been some unbelievable games, some fond memories and some bad memories.
“There is still a rivalry and I feel the history, but now we don’t think about them or anyone as our rivals – we just need to put points on the board.” Solskjaer reckons this season could be the most exciting and unpredictable one of the lot because no team is dominating due to the impact of Covid-19.
He added: “I think football has developed, and so many clubs have developed strength in depth and the ability to challenge for the trophies.
“So, even though the last two seasons you’ve had two teams running away with it, I think this season a lot of us just underneath them would hope to put up a challenge. ge.
“Back then, we felt it was either us or Arsenal, l, and then Chelsea came through ough as well. For me, now, it’s s probably more exciting g and interesting, for the fans as well. Anything can happen this season.” ”
But former favourite ite
D i mi t a r B e r b a t o ov v reckons his old club need to be more consistent sistent before being considered idered genuine title challengers. ngers.
He sai d: “It was a complete performance mance against Leipzig. Hopefully, efully, this win will change e their fortunes, but I wouldn’t uldn’t jump to the conclusion usion they can win the title.” le.”