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Costly error: Solskjaer informed of his biggest and most costly mistake this season
Former Premier League player Darren Bent has told Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer what his biggest and most costly mistake has been this season.
The legendary Norwegian is facing a barrage of criticism from fans who believe the super team he has assembled should be performing better.
United added Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, and Raphael Varane to their starting lineup, giving supporters the impression that a title challenge is the club’s goal for the season.
Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial, and Mason Greenwood are all exciting players, and fans are always confident that their team will score.
The majority of supporters believe that the issue that was not resolved in the summer was the midfield, and it appears that this has already cost the club money.
Bent told the Manchester Evening News, “I think that’s the one thing that will cost United is that midfield.” That role has become critical in front of the back four – whether you play a two or a one.
“The fact United didn’t address that and didn’t go get a top-class holding midfielder… that would have given [some freedom] to the likes of Fernandes and Pogba. You would have only had to play one [holding midfielder].
“He doesn’t trust one of them to sit there. He’s got to go with McTominay, he’s got to go with Fred.
“I thought Everton capitalised on that. They hit them on the counter and played really well. The pace that they had going forward, I thought they were superb.
“What they have got in their favour, United have got that much firepower that – at any given moment – anyone can just go bang, turn up with something class and win them the game.
“I thought they were poor against Villarreal. Ronaldo does what Ronaldo does – he pops up with the goal.
“It’s going to be difficult for them to keep pace with Liverpool, Chelsea and City. I think they’re going to struggle.”
Manchester United could still improve without changing anything, simply by gelling better, sharpening their focus, and gaining momentum.
However, the question is whether that is sufficient for a title challenge or simply a top-four finish.
Something clearly needs to change for Solskjaer, and the outcome will undoubtedly determine his future.
The upcoming fixture list is difficult, but the former Molde man has previously backed himself and delivered, so it will be interesting to see if he can do so again.
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Costly error: Solskjaer informed of his biggest and most costly mistake this season
