Man Utd: Solskjaer urges team to use Europa pain to rebuild
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is "lucky" to still be the club's manager, according to Arsenal legend Martin Keown. Solskjaer led United to a second-place finish in the Premier League this season. However, defeat in the Europa League final extended the club's wait for a major trophy to four years.
Man Utd news: Martin Keown says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is lucky to still have a job (Image: GETTY)
“It’s almost a rebirth of Manchester United but how long have we got to wait?
“Yes, the consistency and finishing second in the Premier League is probably what’s going to get him a new deal but when it comes to it you’ve got to have that way to win.”
Keown believes the mentality of the club has changed in recent years, which is why Solskjaer is fortunate to still hold his position.
Asked if the 48-year-old deserves a new contract, Keown said: “If we’re going to look at the previous standards then no.
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Man Utd news: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is yet to win a trophy as United boss (Image: EXPRESS)
“But following in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson, no one has been able to recreate that.
“They’ve had a succession of managers at the club but have not really been trusted and had a working relationship [with the club] and I do feel that with Ole.
“I do feel, when you look at it, he’s lucky to still be there really.
"He knows the standards that are being set and he can’t keep suffering disappointments, semi-final after semi-final, getting to finals.
“I do think he’s fortunate but this is the current day Manchester United.”
Following Wednesday's penalty shootout loss to Villarreal, Solskjaer insisted there had been improvement this season but that there was still plenty of work to do.
"We are getting closer and closer [to winning titles] we were one kick away today from having a trophy," Solskjaer told BT Sport.
"But we've got to have the desire to come back next year and improve.
"The only way to get the margins on your side is to work harder and better."