Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to win at least one trophy this campaign in order to keep his job at Old Trafford.
The Norwegian was handed a new three-year contract back in July but, after a summer of high profile signings, Ferdinand believes the United boss must deliver success to show he deserves to remain in the post:
“He’s got to win a title. He’s got to win some form of competition because to have the type of window that we’ve had at Man United this year… it’s a beautiful window in terms of bringing winning mentality, genuine leaders, winners who understand how to go through gruelling seasons and win things.”
“So when you’ve added that, with genuine world-class talent, this is Ole’s squad now. This isn’t a bit of a hangover from previous managers. This is Ole’s squad. And that brings pressure. But Ole will know that.”
Ferdinand is correct to say that the pressure is on Solskjaer this season. Progress has been made since the 48-year-old became manager in December 2018, but he has now had time to put his own team together.
Of course, the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea mean it will still be a massive achievement were United to finish top of the table but it should be the ambition for the club after building a squad that can compete on all fronts.
Whether fans would be happy if the Red Devils simply win a domestic cup, it is debatable, but, as Ferdinand points out, trophies will define whether Solskjaer’s time in charge has been successful.
