Category: Sports news

The news of Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being offered a new deal comes as a surprise to soccer fans. Ed Woodward, Vice-president of Man Utd, has reportedly given the nod to extend the contract of the Norwegian. The move is an unexpected one for many reasons.

Manchester United Under Solskjaer

After the club’s dismal match with Leicester in the FA Cup, Ole Solskjaer has been under the scanner. Man Utd’s exit at the group level from the Champions League is another blotch in Solskjaer’s stint with the team.

Those against his extended contract maintain that the Red Devils have not gone past their semifinals stage during his term.
And, the 48-year old’s contention that winning cups is just a matter of ego boost for the managers is not sitting well with the team’s supporters.
But, there have been some bright points during his term. The Norwegian has ensured the team a solid second place in the Premier League. United has achieved this feat only once before under Sir Alex Ferguson.

In the Europa League, the team is set to take on Granada in next month’s quarter-final match. After failing in the domestic competitions, this tournament is their only hope this season.

Backed By the Board

Ed Woodward, the Man Utd chief has been a strong supporter of Gunnar Solskjaer. According to Daily Mail, Woodward has commended the manager for the progress made by the team under him.

The executive vice-chairman is reportedly convinced of the team being handled well by Solskjaer. Manchester United is the top favorite in the Europa League teams after it trounced AC Milan.

The eight-point lead of the team with West Ham is another point in favor of the way Solskjaer has led the team.

£30m Deal for Solskjaer

When Solskjaer signed his first contract with Man Utd in 2019, he had lost the final two games prior to agreeing to the contract. As per the contract, the Norwegian has one more year left before his term with the club ends in the summer of 2021.

The Old Trafford management is not ready to let go of the 48-year-old. Solskjaer is expected to be granted a new contract for three years.
The new deal will cost the club £30m even in the event of the team not winning the cup this season. With an increase in salary from his earlier pay of £7.5 to £10 million per year, the board is looking to bolster the team’s upward spiral under the guidance of Solskjaer.

Despite surprising supporters with the contract, the Old Trafford club is considering the new change to bring stability to the club. News about impending transfers and the controversial departure of Nicky Butt a few days back has forced the club to make decisive moves.

With Manchester City being ahead of them in ranking and boosted by the weak defense put up by Liverpool, Manchester United is looking forward to a better ending this season. The Solskjaer deal may be the right step in this direction for the club.