Is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer up for the fight of becoming a Manchester United success? The stakes have just been raised.
Just when results were picking up and United were gaining some consistency, Tottenham have complicated matters.
Mauricio Pochettino’s sudden availability has put the spotlight back on Solskjaer. He dare not slip up against Sheffield United this weekend.
Jose Mourinho’s appointment at Tottenham also puts the pressure on. Spurs are below United, and it would be a terrible look if Mourinho leads them to a top four place at our expense.
The two teams meet in a fortnight at Old Trafford, and it could be a symbolic game for both managers.
Opportunity not threat
Solskjaer needs to see this as an opportunity for him and not a threat.
In many ways he is the underdog, an inexperienced coach compared to Jose Mourinho.
There will not be much sympathy for Solskjaer from the media if he loses, but if he wins, it will be a different story.
When he was first appointed in temporary charge, Solskjaer was a breath of fresh air compared to Mourinho.
Results soon became more inconsistent and the spectre of Mourinho has become more glaring.
Some United fans are still unhappy that a proven winner was let go, and the board let the situation get to that point.
Mourinho will be keen to prove a point to United, and get one over on Solskjaer on December 4.
A victory for United would be a major statement from Solskjaer. A win would silence his critics.
It is a match he must look forward to, not dread. Starting with a victory this weekend, Solskjaer has to view this as a real opportunity.
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