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Better or worse - Comparing Man Utd's XI before and after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Manchester United look different now compared to when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returned in 2018.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer leaves Manchester United as the club lie eighth in the Premier League and have been without a trophy since 2017. But many fans can agree that the Norwegian manager is leaving the squad in far better condition than he inherited from Jose Mourinho's miserable demise.
Solskjaer's three-year spell as United boss ended on Sunday after a humiliating 4-1 defeat at Watford.
Other results, including a 5-0 loss to Liverpool and a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, have ended his tenure on a sour note.
But Solskjaer was praised for his recruitment strategy in the transfer market, primarily targeting younger, English-speaking talent.
And United's starting line-ups from his first game in charge compared to his last at Vicarage Road on Saturday showcase the improvements he's made.
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Solskjaer sat cross-legged in the dugout for the first time against Cardiff City in December 2018 - which ended in a 5-1 win for the Red Devils.
David de Gea started in goal, with an underwhelming defence including Ashley Young, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones and Luke Shaw ahead of him.
Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera made up the double pivot, with Paul Pogba ahead of them as the attacking midfielder.
Jesse Lingard lined up on the right, and Anthony Martial started on the left, supporting Marcus Rashford as the sole striker.
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United suffered a contrasting result at Watford last time out in the Premier League, but the team featured is a clear upgrade - on paper anyway.
De Gea is still the Red Devils' first-choice goalkeeper, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire were crucial figures under Solskjaer after signing them in his first summer transfer window in 2019.
Lindelof and Shaw maintained their places, although usual starter Raphael Varane is sidelined through injury.
Matic is still the only natural defensive midfielder in the squad and started in the absence of Fred against the Hornets alongside Scott McTominay.
The real differences are visible in the attack, though, with three significant changes from that memorable night in Cardiff three years ago.
Bruno Fernandes was Solskjaer's most important signing of all, carrying the side for large periods since his January 2020 arrival.
And while Rashford is still a crucial player when fit, United also recently solved the right-wing dilemma by acquiring Jadon Sancho this summer.
Martial has gradually become a fringe player, especially after experienced duo Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo's arrivals under Solskjaer's watch.
There's no doubt that United have a far superior squad now than when Solskjaer took charge, and it's up to his successor to garner the best out of it.