Man United: Bournemouth victory perfect evidence of the progress made under Solskjaer
Red Devils’ 5-2 victory against the Cherries takes their unbeaten run to 16 games.
Enduring the worst start to a season in 30 years, Man United managed just nine points in their opening seven games in the league. Then came a disappointing trip to the Tyneside, where Solskjaer’s men suffered a humiliating defeat against Newcastle.
The shouts of “Ole Out” compounded with each passing day on social media, and at some point, every United fan anticipated Solskjaer leaving the club after making a positive start to his spell at Old Trafford.
However, credit to United’s boardroom for holding their nerve and backing the manager’s vision to come through after a sustained period of mediocrity. Solskjaer weathered the storm and managed to lift his side towards the top-four spot.
Amid positive performances against Man City and Tottenham, injuries to Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial, and Marcus Rashford never allowed Solskjaer to fix his starting lineup and build on the set of winning results.
MUFC now 16 unbeaten since Burnley in Jan. W12 D4 F42 A6. Eleven clean sheets. Three consecutive wins for first time since OGS arrived. Average age of MU goalscorers: 22. Up to fourth (maybe briefly) for first time since Sept. Greenwood or Fernandes MOM. Player ratings to follow.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) July 4, 2020
Owing to the extraordinary injury situation, United were desperately short on attacking options, with Anthony Martial being the only senior number nine available for a few matches in January. Rashford was too sidelined after he suffered a stress fracture in his back.