Thread by @timlongsports

A QUICK THREAD on #MUFC’s recent failure to win semi-finals, to add vital context to what will no doubt be the media’s latest crusade against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer...

Firstly, it must be acknowledged as an achievement to even get to 4 semi-finals in the first season & a half as permanent manager. Had #MUFC not done that, this narrative wouldn’t be possible. Compare to these records of a couple of recently much-revered managers below...

Klopp took over a side that’d already lost 2 SFs the previous szn. He then failed to win a trophy the first 4 times he reached the semis (losing 3 finals)

In 5+ seasons, he’s reached the SFs or beyond just 5 times

In 5+ szns at Spurs, Poch made 5 semis & failed to win a trophy

The reality is, SFs & Finals are hard to win, especially when transitioning to a young team & new style, & meeting teams like City, Chelsea, & Sevilla. But has progress been apparent in these 4 ties? Are they getting closer? Or is it really cause for greater concern?...

Let’s look in chronological order

City 19/20

#MUFC beat Chelsea on the way, but were at no position in their evolution to rival one of the 2 outstanding teams in the country over 2 legs. They started with Jones, Pereira, Lingard, James, & Williams, & only lost by 1 goal. Credit

Chelsea 19/20

#MUFC were in the thick of an almighty run to get top-4. You may think different, but I believe this to be the correct priority. 3 days earlier they played Palace. 3 days later, WHU. Martial, Pogba, & Greenwood started all the PL games, & were rested for the SF...

Solskjaer clearly felt the risk of a sacrifice was needed, & this was the lesser of two evils to give key players a much needed break. I agree. And, if that was the priority, it worked. #MUFC beat Leicester 7 days later in arguably the biggest “cup final” of their season.

Sevilla 19/20

Clear progress. #MUFC fit & focussed on trying to win a trophy. Tactical set-up & general performance was DOMINANT. Only finishing (& a bit of luck) missing. The way Solskjaer approached the game & had his team playing deserved credit. Sometimes it’s not your day!

City 20/21

#MUFC are not yet complete, but at a stage of their development when they can truly rival top teams tactically & psychologically. Rather than with an underdog spirit, they met City at their level. City played well, yet only won by 2 set-pieces, creating little else...

The tactical setup from Ole limited City to just 1.45 xG (even with the big set-piece chance for Stones). Their average xG since start of last szn is 2.48 (PL stats). #MUFC also had many big chances to create, but individuals had off nights & lacked killer actions in final 3rd.

Conclusions

Last szn, #MUFC probably paid the price for their own success - reaching so many SFs, playing so many games with a lower calibre squad, & needing to rest. The first 2 semis were a sizeable challenge, given quality of players available, & other priorities. Continued..

The last two SFs have been MUCH better. #MUFC have been much more ready, & tactically set-up well. Bad finishing, final pass, or defending set-pieces the difference. Individual issues, rather than manager issues. Things young players will deal better with at the top level in time

Early semis have been more an achievement than a failure. Latest semis have been decided by fine margins & #MUFC are getting closer to winning one. The squad will be near complete in terms of age & additions next szn. If it’s still happening then, start to ask questions. Not now.