Is there a reason why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (OGS) shouldn’t be permanently handed the managerial position at Manchester United? I am sure a number of United fans and neutrals would be thinking same. What are my thoughts ? I am just happy my team is doing well. When the Red Devils beat Tottenham Hotspur on the 13th of January, haters said it was luck not that they played well. I saw a tactical master class from OGS but hey what do I know, I prayed for same luck against Arsenal in the FA Cup 4th round tie though I had told a few colleagues Arsenal would win. I also told a few Man Utd would win, yes I was confused.
I got a notification of the line up an hour before kick off and saw Sergio Romero in goal for United, I wasn’t comfortable, I love the lad though and rumor had it earlier in the day he was going to start. Brave move by the manager and time proved this to be a good one. So Arsenal hosted Manchester United in this FA Cup tie that was strangely played on a Friday night and in 5 previous meetings between both sides, United has been the team with the bragging rights after racking up 3 wins compared to Arsenal’s 1 with the 5th and most recent installment of the rivalry ending in a stalemate.
Arsenal would always be Arsenal, the Kings of blowing hot and cold at the same time. If possession won matches, then Arsenal would have been the most successful football franchise or maybe second to Barcelona. Beautiful play from Arsenal but United were not one to display skills, they went about their business with a clear purpose, get the ball forward and score. Nothing fancy, not that Arsenal didn’t want to do same. The Red Devils got a goal in the 31st minute after Romelu Lukaku teed up former Arsenal player Alexis Sanchez who coolly put the ball beyond Petr Cech in goal for the Gunners. 1:0 to United.
The big Belgian was on hand to notch up a 2nd assist in as many minutes, setting up Jesse Lingard in 33rd minute to give Manchester United a 2:0 lead. The lad seem to want to pick up from when Wayne Rooney stopped when it comes to scoring against Arsenal. It was his 3rd goal in 5 games against the Gunners.
Arsenal however pulled a goal back 2 minutes before half time. 2:1 at the break, United called the shots in this one, Arsenal can like to eat possession.
The second half saw Arsenal play with more purpose but the New Manchester United side too weren’t slacking much though a bit shaky in defense they were fearless going forward. Arsenal created the better of the chances but didn’t bury them. Anthony Martial made the game safe for United, scoring in the 82nd minute.
Injury to Arsenal captain earlier on meant 10 minutes of extra time was played but at this juncture I wasn’t fazed, United was through to the next round of the FA Cup. The 10 minutes added time didn’t bring about any more goals. United beat Arsenal on their turf 3:1.
Its 8 wins in 8 games for the Red Devils. Is this still a purple patch thing for United or they have been CLASS since Jose Mourinho’s departure? They are not expected to win all the games but one thing has changed, the lads are loving life under OGS.
Thanks for your time guys. Have a fab week ahead. BLESS!!!
Nothing more detailed about your analysis, trust me as a united fan, you nailed the whole minutes by minutes of the game. Good write up man.
OGS all the way.
Thanks a lot for reading. Thanks for the compliments. BLESS!!!