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3 things Solskjaer must do to turn the tables at Manchester United – opinion

Three things Solskjaer must do to turn the tables at Manchester United

Manchester United have hit a record low start to the season, as they are placed 12th with just 2 points ahead of the relegation zone. United will face table leaders Liverpool, who are yet to miss a point this season, after the second international break.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has an uphill task of turning the tables and offering the United fans something to cheer for but clearly, a change in tactics may bring good fortune at Old Trafford.

The United players have failed to create chances or score goals after stretching their winless run away from home to 11 games with a 0-1 defeat to Newcastle United last weekend. 

All that said and done, here are 3 ways Solskjaer can turn his fortune at Old Trafford.

Encourage Pogba to attack

Solskjaer should’ve worked towards reviving attacking football at Old Trafford, in-keeping with the traditions of Sir Alex Ferguson. But United failed to register a shot on target for the first time in their history during their 0-0 draw with AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League. 

In order to create more chances, Solskjaer must let Paul Pogba play a more attacking role in the midfield. Even though Pogba has struggled with his injuries this season, he has shown his quality by setting up Daniel James and Marcus Rashford in their 4-0 win over Chelsea in the first game week.

Find a leader on the pitch

United are clearly lacking leadership on the pitch and Solskjaer must back record-breaking defensive signing Harry Maguire to step up in the captaincy role.

At the moment, Ashley Young is the wearing the captain’s armband – a player who is in the team because main left-back Luke Shaw is injured. In Young’s absence, the armband is often donned by goalkeeper David de Gea – a player whose future continues to be uncertain.

Solskjaer is also handing way too many chances to striker Rashford, who has scored just 3 league goals this season – 2 of which are from spot-kicks. Instead, the manager should consider providing youngster Mason Greenwood with his Premier League debut.

Need for creativity

In addition, Solskajer must buy a creative midfielder in the winter transfer window, as they have clearly struggled during set-pieces this season. Maguire is yet to score a goal for United and there is not a single player who can take up the duties of corners and free kicks.

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Young and Rashford are currently sharing that responsibility, while Juan Mata takes up the role whenever on the pitch. After all, he certainly lacks the stamina to play all 90 minutes of a Premier League game.

If Solskjaer manages to work on these 3 areas and motivate his team to pull up their socks, there may be some hope left for United still.