AND PARTY United’s big name clearout has left Ole lacking options
BRYAN Robson reckons Manchester United left under-fire boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer short of leading stars this summer.
The United legend says the club made “a mistake” by clearing out big names, including Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez, without replacing them.
Captain Marvel Robson
( right) has given his verdict on United’s season so far, saying
“they’ve left themselves a bit short”.
That is expected to be rectified when Solskjaer is given up to £300million to sign up to eight new game-changing names in the next two summer transfer windows, with
Mario Mandzukic (above) being targeted in January.
Robson, a United global ambassador, who won two titles and three FA Cups as skipper at Old Trafford, has warned that Solskjaer needs three years rebuilding the squad before he can be judged.
The club have had their worst start in the league for 30 years, with just two wins, and face Liverpool, with a 100 per cent record, next weekend. Robson said: “I think Man U’s only mistake so far is allowing too many experienced players to go.
“Because we have had quite a lot of injuries at this stage of the season, they have left themselves a little bit short. That is why they are where they are.
“Lukaku (to Inter), Sanchez (Inter – loan), Ander Herrera (PSG – loan), Chris Smalling (Roma – loan). These are very experienced players. In this situation, rather than kids, you need those types of experienced players to steady it.
“People talk about leaders and every club needs them. Whether it is a centre- midfielder or a dominant centre- half, you need a leader to organise on the pitch. Man U are looking for that type of player.”
Solskjaer feared that the prospect of losing to Liverpool would end his reign, but he has been reassured his job is safe and backing will come in the transfer market.
Robson says the patience of United fans has been key.
He added: “As a manager, you need more or less three years to build the squad you want. That is easy for me to say and I am not paying the money ney running the club.
“But I do believe three ree years is the time when en you make the decision on on whether your ur manager is doing well, ell, doing great or having ng problems.
“They have hung g their hat on Ole being g the man for the job, reinvigorating their youth policy and nd developing more kids coming through the ranks.”
Solskjaer has admitted finishing in the top four will be a struggle, but Robson says they have had bad luck derailing ng their hopes.
He said: “Martial l started the season well and looked oked in good form. He has a long-term erm injury and you can’t afford to carry arry that when you have let two top-class p-class strikers go and you haven’t replaced eplaced them.
“Is Ole safe? I think k United made that really clear when n they gave him the job last year. They hey said they would give him time. . That helps a manager.
“The good thing with Ole is that the fans are behind hind him. It is more difficult when en they go against you.
“But the United fans s are right behind him.” .”