MANCHESTER UNITED travel to Newcastle in what is the first of seven games that will make or break United’s season – and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s managerial future.
Following a poor start to the campaign, two league defeats from three, speculation has intensified over the international break about Solskjaer’s long-term suitability for the role.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in the firing line at UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association
And, once again, we’ve seen former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino heavily linked with replacing him.
Then there is well-respected Italian Max Allegri who is out of work and seemingly looking for a way back in.
The game in the North-East is followed by crunch games against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, RB Leipzig, Arsenal, Istanbul BaSakSehir and Everton before another pause for the international fixtures.
Can Solskjaer afford another defeat?
United have conceded 11 league goals in three league games, their highest figure at this stage of a season for 90 years.
It’s very much ‘one game at a time’ for Solskjaer, but a defeat against Steve Bruce’s side would mean they’ve lost three of their opening four league games for the first time since 1986.
That said, United have won five successive Premier League away matches, scoring at least twice in each victory.
They have never earned six top-flight away victories in a row, not even under Sir Alex Ferguson. So, which record will it be?
Many of the players that have been on international duty have come out in support of Solskjaer.
But another showing like the 6-1 home defeat to Spurs, and the Norwegian may find that his position is untenable.
What Solskjaer needs to do?
Captain Harry Maguire needs taking out of the firing line and resting.
The former Leicester City man looks like he needs a mental break having followed a poor start to the season with his club, with an equally worrying performance and a red card for England in midweek.
Mauricio Pochettino could finally get the chance to shine at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters
Paul Pogba is another that’s under-performing and should be left out, especially when you’ve got someone as good as Donny van de Beek waiting in the wings to step in.
New number seven Edinson Cavani is unable to play this weekend, but his arrival should force Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood to find their best form and get back on the goalscoring trail.
Anthony Martial we know is suspended after his red card against Spurs.
Verdict
Newcastle have won two of their past three Premier League home games against Manchester United and if they make it a third, then the United board might have a decision to make.
It might not mean it was the end for Solskjaer, but it would certainly feel like the beginning of the end.
Regardless of the result against Newcastle, it feels like a hurdle too far for Solskjaer, especially with Pochettino out of work and being linked with the club on a daily basis.
Solskajer has performed a miracle before, and there isn’t a United fan in the world who doesn’t want him to succeed.
Sometimes though, you have to hold your hands up and admit that you just aren’t good enough.
Could United go for an Italian Job with Allegri?Credit: Reuters
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he is looking for a positive response from the Man Utd after 6-1 home defeat to Spurs
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
