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In pictures: Man Utd beat Derby in pre-season friendly
It has already been quite the transfer window for Man Utd given the recent confirmation of Jadon Sancho’s long-awaited arrival as well as a move for Raphael Varane edging ever closer.
However, the announcement that Ole GunnarSolskjaerwill remain in charge of Man Utd for another three years at the very least could prove to be the best bit of business the Red Devils will make this summer.
A much-maligned figure when he was first announced on an interim basis, Solskjaer has gone on to establish himself as more than worthy of his title as United boss.
Those who seal their status as club legends through their actions as players can often find the transition into management for the same club particularly difficult, - see Frank Lampard as a recent case study.
Solskjaer’s reign has been in stark contrast, the Norwegian has quietly gone about his task of improving Man Utd and guiding them closer to their former glories.
The Old Trafford dressing room was not a happy place to be under Solskjaer’s predecessor Jose Mourinho, the likes of Luke Shaw and Paul Pogba regularly singled out for some form of public shaming from their former boss.
Adidas and Manchester United have launched their official 2021/22 home jersey, putting a modern twist on their classic club styles.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has signed a new deal as Man Utd boss (Image: Getty)
Under Solskjaer, the pair are both playing their best football in a United shirt, something Shaw has put down to the boss’s man-management style.
“His man-management is second to none,” Shaw told Sky Sports. “The way he conducts himself in terms of how he speaks to the players, it gets the best out of them.
In an era of football that becomes more dominated by advanced tactics and new metrics, while Solskjaer can more than hold his own tactically, he has mastered some of the simpler traits of a top-flight manager.
The idea of simply playing as many of your best players at once may not seem revolutionary, but it is an idea that seemingly evades so many at the helm of England’s biggest clubs.
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The Europa League semi-final is a fine example - of the last four sides, two were Premier League outfits, long-term foes Arsenal and Manchester United.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal crashed out to Villarreal as they failed to recover from a 2-1 first leg defeat, in which the Spaniard deployed midfielder Emile Smith Rowe in a false nine role for the first time in his career – a stunt that failed miserably.
Solskjaer, meanwhile, blew Roma away 6-2 at Old Trafford with a starting eleven that boasted Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford, three of whom got on the scoresheet.
Man Utd progressed to the final while Arsenal were sent packing, though the Red Devils would ultimately fall short of ultimate glory when they were beaten in a remarkable penalty shootout that saw every outfield taker score.
That remains the shadow that looms large over Solskjaer’stenure, he remains without silverware since his appointment in December 2018.
Progress is being made at a rapid rate however, as last season displayed – United finished second in the Premier League, closing the gap on local rivals and ‘noisy neighbours’ Man City, while reaching their first final underSolskjaer.
Given the new addition of Sancho, one of the most highlysought afteryoung stars in European football, alongside an already star-studded attack and the potential arrival of Real Madrid stalwart Varane, next season could prove fruitful forSolskjaer’sside.