Following a shameful defeat at Anfield where United were out-classed by Jurgen Klopp’s title chasers, the newly appointed caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken the Manchester United job in his stride, with many claiming that he is the reason for their recent renaissance.

It is no secret that the United squad had little motivation under recently sacked Jose Mourinho, with performances on the pitch being flat and discontent amongst some players off of it, and Paul Pogba, a World Cup winner, sat on the bench, unsure of his role in Mourinho’s side. Yet, since Solskjaer has come in, Old Trafford almost seems to have been transported back in time to the Golden Age of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Perhaps the most noticeable improvement in the United squad is the rejuvenated Paul Pogba, arguably one of the best midfielders in the world. Following off field-clashes with Mourinho, which repeatedly left him on the bench, Solskjaer’s faith in the Frenchman has paid off with six goals and fours assists in just seven games, he is now one of the first names on the team sheet.

Not only does Solskjaer focus on the individual players, he has also adopted a far more attractive style of football, that has largely silenced the press’ claims that United’s football is boring to watch in comparison to the attacking style of play of rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. Fans have been delighted to see players passing the ball forward, taking risks and being courageous in the hope of finding the back of the net.

One player that has massively benefited from this change is the young Marcus Rashford, who is arguably playing the best football of his career under Solskjaer, always on the hunt for more goals.

So, it seems that those in charge at Manchester United now have a difficult decision to make, whether to make Solskjaer’s position permanent at Old Trafford or to bring someone in during the off season.

However, it is clear that Solskjaer’s new positive approach, praising his players at press conferences versus Mourinho’s tactic of attacking his own players and blaming individuals for certain defeats, is having a positive effect, with United remaining unbeaten under Solskjaer. The most impressive performance came last week where United knocked out old rivals Arsenal in an impressive 3-1 away win.

If this run of form continues, there is a good chance that United will pick up some silverware this season, even being real contenders for the Champions League, a competition that seemed so far out of reach before Christmas.

Millie Frain