Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set on to ensure no repeat of the disastrous misfortunes his side experienced following their Paris St-Germain recent away win.
“Shocking” was the word Solskjaer used when his side secured the momentous victory at the Parc de Princes in 2019 to overturn their 2-0 first-leg deficit to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals. United won two out of 12 games and ended the season with a draw with Huddersfield and a home defeat to Cardiff.
The defeats quite explained why Solskjaer was in an upbeat mood after the 0-0 draw with Chelsea. Although, the draw left United at 15th in the Premier League table even after the week’s win in Paris.
“It’s a point on the board against a good team”. Solskjaer said.
“Last time we beat PSG. We struggled big time. Our results were shocking. We hardly won a game. I am keen that it doesn’t happen again”.
Obviously, Solskjaer cannot afford to repeat the disastrous misfortune. While his side has started a very tricky run of fixtures well, their Premier League season is, however “delicately poised”.
United’s Premier League season is “delicately poised”
Suppose Brighton beat West Brom on Monday, the Red Devils might end this round of matches in 16th place. However, there is mitigation.
To begin with, they have a match at Burnley. This after they were allowed to begin the season late due to their Europa League campaign not ending until mid-August. Had this match been played and won, they could be fifth.
Additionally, United is below Southampton and Newcastle United in goal difference. Courtesy of the 6-1 home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on October 4th.
Consequently, the legitimate argument on United being in a false position is tempered by what lies ahead of them.
Arsenal will visit Old Trafford next Sunday with any sense of inferiority as United have already marked 5 games without a win on home soil.
A week after, Solskjaer will lead his side to Everton. Should United lose either of these matches, it will send them into another international break with major questions facing Solskjaer’s leading and the probability of landing Mauricio Pochettino at Old Trafford hanging over the Norwegian.