Premier League: Manchester United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer under pressure to dispel ‘almost man’ tag

Manchester United, led by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, reached three semi-finals last season and reached third place in the league. AP

Manchester: Manchester United made undoubted progress in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first full season in charge with a third place finish in the Premier League and racing to three semi-finals in cup competitions.

But with United still languishing far behind rivals Liverpool and Manchester City in the table, the Norwegian is now in the spotlight to mount a serious challenge for the Red Devils’ first Premier League title since Alex Ferguson. retired in 2013.

Solskjaer’s men begin their league campaign at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday after a 14-game unbeaten streak in the English top flight since the signing of Bruno Fernandes transformed their fortunes in January.

United’s midfield has been bolstered again by the arrival of Dutchman Donny Van de Beek, but Solskjaer’s side remains threadbare in other areas of the field.

Three victories over City and Chelsea last season proved that United can beat the best teams in the Premier League back in the day, but a tired end to their campaign just over a month ago in the Europa League semi-finals against Sevilla exposed the faults of a team that lacks thoroughly.

Solskjaer opted not to make a change against the Spanish until the 87th minute with little on the bench that he felt he could turn to.

Apart from the arrival of Van de Beek, that problem has not been solved.

After a long summer of speculation, Jadon Sancho remains at Borussia Dortmund and United refuse to meet the Germans’ € 120 million sale price ($ 140 million, £ 110 million), while There have been no defensive reinforcements ahead of a grueling campaign that will see the English giants return to the Champions League between four competitions over the next eight months.

Questions also remain as to whether United will ever be able to close the gap with Liverpool and City with Solskjaer in charge compared to the world-class coach of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola.

Will De Gea be dropped?

Solskjaer has made a big decision before the campaign begins by keeping faith in Harry Maguire as the club’s captain despite the English international receiving a 21-month suspended sentence by a Greek court, which has appealed, for a fight in vacation in the days of Mykonos. after United’s departure from the Europa League.

Another big call awaits Saturday about who to start in goal with Dean Henderson returning to the club after an impressive loan period at Sheffield United and signing a new contract through 2025.

United handed David de Gea a big deal just a year ago to make the Spanish goalkeeper the club’s highest-paid player, but a season full of mistakes has put his place at risk.

At the other end of the field, United have an attacking trident that could terrify the Premier League for years to come, even if they fail to land Sancho.

Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood combined for 63 goals last season.

At 24, Martial is the leading figure and if all three continue to improve and stay in shape, United has the firepower if fatigue doesn’t get in the way after a tight change from one season to the next.

“We just had 15 days of vacation, but it was enough to enjoy time with the family, relax a little and come focused and fresh for the new season,” said Fernandes.

“It’s not about the days we had or not had off. I think the most important thing now is to focus on our ambitions and the goal we want to achieve.