Solskjaer is a winner and loser from United’s transfer window so far

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Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will likely be frustrated at the club’s lack of transfer activity so far.

As it stands, when United kick off the season on September 19 against Crystal Palace, Solskjaer will have the same squad of players to choose from as the one he finished the season with.

This is a decent squad, one which finished third last season, but ‘decent’ is as far as the compliment goes. It is a long way short of challenging for a title – with the team finishing 33 points of first place in 2019/20.

Add in to the mix that other teams are getting stronger, with Chelsea spending particularly aggressively, and United’s potential looks capped at aiming for third place at best this coming season, unless there is late transfer activity of significant quality.

Solskjaer loses out

Whether you believe Solskjaer is the man to lead Manchester United to the title or not, it should still be clear that he deserves the chance to try.

This season’s result of a third placed finish was actually above expectation, even if it was a very bumpy ride along the way.

The manager achieved his mission of leading United back into the Champions League.

Having also reached three semi-finals, Solskjaer will want extra backing to try and go the extra step.

If he is not supported in the transfer market, then it is going to be very hard for the United boss to get the club back on top, and a frustrating year lies ahead.

He deserves for the board to sign the players he wants, to enable him to try to rebuild United in the way he wishes. It’s no good trying to do it with one arm tied behind his back.

Solskjaer wins too

If United continue this current situation and end the transfer window with no signings, it is hard to be too critical of Solskjaer whatever happens next season.

How can you criticise a manager who is clearly entering the season with a squad which is short of the requirements to win trophies?

If United lose games, there will be the inevitable cries of #OleOut on social media from fans who have already made up their minds about him.

But the anger should be directed at Ed Woodward and the Glazers, and most supporters should realise that the chief executive and owners will be the ones responsible for the teams shortcomings, not the manager.

If United spend big and under perform, then it is on Solskjaer. But if there is no backing, and the results are not up to scratch, there is an argument to say the manager is to an extent, off the hook.

Even if it gets the point where results are bad enough United need to make a change for ‘change sake’ and bring in a new manager, Solskjaer will be able to point back to a lack of investment as the reason for failure, not his own shortcomings.

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