Thread by @EBL2017

Ahead of Ronaldo's second debut for Manchester United, I think it's important to remember and pay tribute to the man behind it all - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Utd were not in a position to bring Ronaldo into the club since Sir Alex left because they were so far behind - not anymore..

When Solskjaer first came into the club, United were very obviously a mess and far from the Champions League spots, let alone challenging for the title. He cleared out a lot of deadwood, sold the overweight and underperforming Lukaku, and signed D. James, Harry Maguire, and AWB.

At the time the market was void of top attackers apart from the mega-deals of Griezmann & Hazard to the top Spanish clubs. Pepe, Haller, Ayoze, Joelinton, & Wesley were amongst the most expensive signings in the PL, highlighting how clubs in the league took gambles in the market.

Manchester United, however, did not, and were correct to do so. Instead, they signed a world class leader profile who transformed the entire defence. They also signed AWB who is an elite defender. James was also signed because he's an outlet & United lacked outlets. Top business.

That season was a big struggle considering United lacked top quality attackers and never replaced Lukaku. Martial and Rashford were also injured for large parts of the season leaving Solskjaer with bang average attackers between the lines like Pereira, Mata, James, and co.

Things got so bad Solskjaer had to sign a contingency option in Ighalo in January. However, despite fierce criticism that Ole faced in relation to United's results because he had a horrible set of attackers at his disposal, he still got the club Champions League football.

The route Solskjaer took was a long-term one and a more difficult one - at the start of a rebuild the easiest way to fix a team is by signing a top attacker. However, there wasn't any available, so Ole focused on the defence & was absolutely correct to do so, as I predicted.

He then signed Bruno Fernandes but even with Bruno the team was bereft of top attackers and balance in attack considering how Martial flattered to receive, Rashford was injured at the most crucial stage of the 19/20 season, and the rest of the attackers weren't good enough.

Then, next season, after still somehow getting CL football in the toughest league in the world, the board let him down and didn't sign Sancho despite the team *needing* a top quality wide player. OGS signed Cavani, necessary depth for Bruno (VDB), & a left-footed left back (key).

If it wasn't for OGS's development of Greenwood into a first team regular combined with his astute business in the transfer market and coaching of the likes of Fred, Shaw, & co into much superior players, the team easily could've missed out on CL football, but again, they didn't.

At this point, United were 4 players away from being a complete side - a central defender, a midfielder, a wide player, and a centre forward. He signed Varane, Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo and wants a perfect profile and player in Declan Rice next summer.

Again, elite stuff.

The ability to deal with pressure combined with the ability to identify suitable profiles and players for his system are two necessary traits for an elite manager to have, and Ole has them in abundance. However, crucially, he signed these players for *his* system, which is elite.

Moving back to when Solskjaer first came to the club in the second half of 18/19, his elite tactical acumen enabled United to get unbelievable results in the Champions League against the likes of Tuchel's PSG, and everyone is aware of what an elite coach he is.

His big-game tactical adaptions within the 5-2-3 & 4-4-2 along with a reliable formula to break down lesser sides in the 4-2-3-1 were superb. His ability to switch systems to counteract the opposition was elite, and the general balance, pressing, etc was perfectly implemented.

So, crucially, there was a tactical foundation on which to build upon. It was obvious United needed outlets, more quality between the lines, and a leader at the back amongst other priorities, but this was only obvious because Solskjaer had a clear long-term plan in mind.

Now in 2021/22, United are finally considered a powerhouse once again. Ironically, I actually think Solskjaer made his first error this summer by not signing a central midfielder which was a bigger priority than CB and a CF, so they're not favourites to win the league.

However, United are only one player away, and who can blame Solskjaer for buying the 3 best possible options for 3 positions United needed players in? I suspect the board & himself know that central midfield was a bigger priority, but couldn't turn down 3 perfect fits elsewhere.

Either way, when Solskjaer came into Manchester United the team was discombobulated in all aspects and now it's a top tactical team with perfect balance and quality all over the pitch. The feel-good factor around the club is back again, and they have elite players everywhere.

An elite tactical manager who handles pressure like no other combined with specialising at player development, man-management, squad building, and talent identification is an unstoppable force.

That's what Manchester United have in the great Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Elite manager.