Once bitten twice shy; Not for the Reds

 Having concluded their 19/20 season over the weekend as they lost respectably to Sevilla in the semis of the Europa league, it's about time to examine certain cracks in their season.

United started on a high, schooling Chelsea in the league with Daniel James getting his debut goal. It was looking good for them till the injuries crept in. With time they fell off the top 4 ranks and were more concerned about staying afloat amongst the top 6 than challenging for UCL places.

January window arrived and so did Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo. While the latter will be instrumental in competitions other than the league, Bruno ignited the team in the league and from thence they couldn't stop flaring.

Assist upon assist, penalty upon penalty and the red side of Manchester were strong contenders for the top 4.

Across other competitions they were also going strong; dumped Chelsea to get to the semis of the carabao cup, FA cup semis and most recently Europa semi finals.

But this was just about where it gets really dicey for them and till now they're yet to find an answer.

Some blame the tactics, some say it's lack of personnel, some say they are just unlucky. It looks like all three to me.

Ole Gunnar is a manager that has faced the sticks many times due to his poor in-game management and in most part the criticisms have been spot on.

Firstly, the Carabao semis:

 I don't think anyone will point fingers at them for losing this semis. They were short on personnel, plus up against neighboring rivals, Man City who were on their strides it was just Cinderella wishing to expect something different.

Losing the first leg and winning the second, they did represent well.

Secondly, the FA cup semifinals:

He did get the stick for this and it was well deserved. Up against a tough side in a knockout game you'll expect a manager to field his most trusted/tested line up. Well, Ole Solskjær had other ideas.

His starting xi and the game plan they came in with were just below par. Also his decision to give starts to certain players also cost him.

For the most part of the 1st half the team looked out of place as they had to condition and gel themselves before they could execute the task.

 In the end they fell by the roadside with De gea giving out surprise packs for Chelsea's first 2 goals before star defender, Harry left Degea astonished with an own goal to round off the victory for the blues.

Lastly, Europa semis;

Up against Sevilla it did look like the manager had learnt from his previous experiences. He put out a strong team although heads were stirred as Matic was left on the bench (necessary swap to keep Sevilla's midfield at bay). United started strongly and before long they got their opener. Lopetegui's side looked organized and midway through the first half they had their equaliser.

Early in the second half United took the game to Sevilla. Chance upon chance with Martial missing two big chances in quick succession. The intensity of the game then dropped and was rather normal. Luuk de jong scored the winner for Sevilla to send them to the finals.

3 minutes to the end of normal time and United's coach Solskjær made his first change. Although  United were failed due to missing numerous chances, the Coach just didn't do enough to change the course of the game. Allowing the players to find out a way themselves. The poor in-game management mostly talked about.

Credits to Sevilla, they held on and were clinical enough.

Conclusion;

Giving credit to Ole, he's been able to reunite the fans and the club's management. Getting both parties excited again. Plus he's maintained a good relationship with the players which have allowed them to express themselves better. All that is lacking is certain personnel additions and how best he can set up his team to completely maximize their abilities. We just might have on our screens a team as good as Sir Alex Ferguson's or even better.