Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær signed a new three-year contract with the club, which keeps him at Old Trafford until 2024. There is also an option of an additional year.
A new deal for Solskjær shows the club is committed to building with the Norwegian at the helm following two and half seasons of improvement.
Backing in the Transfer Window
United have already made big moves in the summer transfer window ahead of the 2021/22 season. The club has signed former Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho for £73 million, and Raphael Varane is also expected to join the Red Devils this summer.
Two marquee signings like Sancho and Varane immediately show that Solskjær will be backed in the transfer market. It also highlights how the Norwegian is trusted to handle big signings to help the club push on, mount a Premier League title challenge, and progress in the Champions League.
Signs of Improvement
Since Solskjær replaced Jose Mourinho in December 2018, there have been steady signs of improvement at Old Trafford.
In the 2018/19 season, United finished sixth on 66 points after half a season under Solskjær. In the following season, United improved their position and qualified for the Champions League after a third-place finish, which many bookmakers thought the side were incapable of doing due to their inconsistent season, but to see what BetUK are predicting for Ole’s second season in charge read this BetUK review.
The 2020/21 season was United’s best so far under Solskjær. 74 points throughout the season saw the Red Devils finish second to a sensational Man City side. There were clear improvements from previous seasons with a hard to beat approach leading to just six losses (the joint fewest in the league), a Europa League final appearance and an FA Cup semi-final.
Although there have been improvements domestically, progression in the Champions League must be a priority for the Red Devils and Solskjær. United were eliminated from the Champions League Group Stages last season, and there will be pressure on the Norwegian to succeed in 2021/22, especially after being supported in the transfer market.
Long-Term Building
A new long-term contract for Solskjær shows the board trust him to build a long-term project at Old Trafford.
The former striker has built a squad with a blend of experience and youth. Players like Scott McTominay, Aaron wan Bissaka and Mason Greenwood have flourished under Solskjær, and he is not afraid to give younger players game time. Since he became the permanent United boss, Solskjær has given Premier League debuts to 13 players aged 21 or under, including Greenwood, Brandon Williams and Daniel James.
But the ability to get the best out of the more experienced players is just as important for Solskjær. Signing Bruno Fernandes in the January window in the 2019/20 season has proven to be United’s biggest coup under Solskjær. Fernandes hit the ground running at Old Trafford, and he has contributed more goals and assists than any other player since joining United (65 combined). Solskjær built his team around Fernandes last season, and the Portugueses’ 28 goals in all competitions were often key.
Another example of Solskjær’s ability to get the best from his experienced players comes from Luke Shaw. The England defender endured difficult patches under former boss Jose Mourinho and had a string of long-term injures. But Shaw’s return to form in the 2020/21 season helped United cement their second-place finish as he helped to keep 10 clean sheets and created as many chances for teammates as Lionel Messi (66).
Solskjær’s new contract shows that the Manchester club is building its future around the Norwegian manager. He certainly has the qualities and the backing to succeed at the club and has shown good progress in the last two seasons. However, success for the Red Devils via silverware (particularly in Europe) will be a big focal point for the United board.
