HE WAS the man reportedly being lined up to replace him if Manchester United failed to win at Tottenham.
And now boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stands accused of pinching Antonio Conte’s ideas in order to keep him out of the Old Trafford hot seat.
Solskjaer masterminded a 3-0 victory for the visitors at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Saturday’s blockbuster Premier League encounter.
Defeat for the Norwegian could have spelled the end of his Red Devils reign, with Conte the leading name on a shortlist of candidates to replace him.
But after the United manager tweaked his formation to go 3-5-2 in north London, jokers online said he had copied the Italian’s tendency to play three at the back.
Fan ‘UtdAlii’ wrote on Twitter: “I’m convinced Ole’s a troll. Man hasn’t played 3atb for the last year and pulls it out today against Spurs the moment links start picking up for Conte.”
User ‘Blue_Footy’ wrote: “Conte linked with a move to Manchester United. Ole: “F*** Conte, I can play three at the back” Man is undefeated!”
‘Acquaye_jnr’ wrote: “United fans: We want Conte. Ole: Hold my beer,” while ‘kwabee_’ added: “United fans: We want Conte. Ole: We have Conte at home.”
And ‘Paalyrics___3’ wrote: “BREAKING NEWS: Manchester United have signed a new coach. Ole Gunner Conte….. A.K.A Ole Conte Tuchel.”
Solskjaer started his two veteran forwards together for the first time as Edinson Cavani partnered Cristiano Ronaldo up front.
And observers online suggested the fear of playing under the Italian’s famously rigid system spurred them to save Ole’s skin on Saturday.
‘SiavoushF’ tweeted: “Cristiano Ronaldo was so afraid of playing hybrid wingback for Antonio Conte he pulled off a 1+1 masterclass to keep Ole at the wheel.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
