Solskjaer hasn’t been sacked yet because he’s got history at United
LVG: OLE’S AN EX-PLAYER... THAT BUYS HIM TIME
LOUIS VAN GAAL believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s status as a Treble legend has saved him from the sack at Manchester United.
But he has warned Solskjaer that the axe could fall on him next summer – just like it did for him moments after winning the 2016 FA Cup Final (below).
Van Gaal’s sacking, after 10- man United beat Crystal Palace in extra time at Wembley four years ago, still rankles with the 69-year-old Dutchman.
And he reckons Solskjaer would already have been a goner at Old Trafford had he not been a successful former United star with a big history for the club.
“Solskjaer is an ex-player, so they will not sack him as quickly as someone else,” said Van Gaal.
“United won’t sack a manager during the season, especially Solskjaer. I see all the stories about Solskjaer and his future.
“But they waited with sacking me until the end of the season – and that could happen to him.’’
Van Gaal managed Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and had two spells as Holland coach before succeeding David Moyes at United in 2014.
He lasted two years before being replaced by Jose Mourinho with some United fans dismayed by his methodical style and rigid playing pattern.
Despite that criticism, , the exper ienced nced Dutchman has laid aid into Solskjaer’s own n brand of football l
– and has slammed the
No r we g i a n’s confusing tactical switches. “The football he brings is of a counter-attacking team. He always adapts to his opponents,” said Van Gaal.
“And he is playing different systems all the time. Against Southampton, it is 4-4-2, in the next match it is five defenders, the next it is 4-2-3-1.
“You could argue that he is using the qualities of his players, but at West Ham they were outclassed in the first half. It was only when Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes came on that they made the difference.
“Using different systems is OK, but my question would be is he actually properly training the players to use these systems?
“Because it’s key that, if you switch the different playing systems, it must be executed in a good way.
“It depends less on the quality of the players than on the actual practice of a system in training.’’
Van Gaal was disappointed in Solskjaer’s guarded approach during the dull 0-0 Manchester derby draw, claiming United were City’s “servants”.
“All Man United did was defend with 10 men,” he said.
“Everyone knows my relationship with Pep Guardiola, who is angry with me because I challenged him in my last book.
“But I enjoyed watching City more than United. I have far more sympathy for City.
“Honestly, United were just defending and hoping they can do a quick hit on the counter. Pep’s team don’t have the intention to defend with 10 men.
“United just defend and put a couple of fast players up front.
“All I mean is that Greenwood, Rashford or Martial are superfast runners who will use the space United’s opponents leave behind their defence.
“In the derby, United played as if they were City’s servants.’’