Since he’s arrival at Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brings a divide amongst its fans. The OleOut see him as someone unfit to be in the Manchester United hot seat because he does not have the pedigree or CV that someone helming the ship of one of world football’s biggest club. The OleIn crowd are for him, due to the connection and familiarity of a former player and its culture.
Each side can point out the weaknesses of the other. The OleIn crowd point to the 4 semi-finals they have lost as a sign of progress. With each passing year, it justifies their belief that if anyone were to right the wrongs of Moyes, Van Gaal & Mourinhou, there is none better in the game at the moment that OGS. Ole has gotten rid of the deadweights and those that did not buy into the club’s culture. He also has brought about a sense of positivity amongst the club and its players by reinforcing the rhetoric of “the Manchester United DNA”. His media appearances are always positive, even when he fails to use a player, players having a bad game or even looming stories of being replaced. These, OleIn fans argue, are hallmarks of a manager able to handle the massive pressure of being Manchester United manager. Ole has also reverted to the transfer strategy that was practiced by Sir Alex – mixing youth with experience. The rise of Mason Greenwood, Brandon Williams mixed with the purchases of Odin Ighalo and Edison Cavani showcase this. Manchester United do not go out buying superstars at exorbitant fees, but make strategic and clever acquisitions – case in point – Amad Diallo.
OleOut fans on the other hand argue that what truly defines the club is the high levels of success that has been a hallmark and mainstay during Fergie’s years. Attaining a top 4 should be a given, not a target for progress. Challenging for all the competitions up until the twilight of it is a must. These fans believed that Jose Mourinho should have been backed even more when the Portuguese Manager was moaning for a centre back after coming off a season where he won the Europa League and EFL Cup. Even when he was fired, they felt that a more seasoned manager or one who is highly touted should be hired over the inexperienced Ole. Names such as Julien Nagelsmann, Max Allegri were always floated about but the ever-present looming of Mauricio Pochettino seemed more reasonable for a big job as compared to Ole whose last managerial stint in the Premier League ended in the club being relegated.
These are some examples that are given when taken from the perspective of Manchester United. It is the same when we take a look at other clubs who are transitioning from a former manager with big legacy. Arsenal are struggling despite the initial promise of Mikel Arteta. Chelsea, when their former manager Frank Lampard was judged on his last spending and immediately given the boot when things go awry.
But as a true fan – what is the right reaction? Unless you’re born and bred in that local part of the club you are supporting, the reaction of a fan should be of nonchalant. This doesn’t mean you cannot have opinions on what is right for the club that you support, but it does mean not being so worked up over the opinion that you have that it affects real life relationships with your friends. We all have different expectations for everything we do. And that should be respected. Football unlike politics, allows for differing opinions based on what affects you emotionally. Just as some fans believe that a club that is traditionally known for its attacking philosophy should remain so, there are also some that prefers the practicality of team that is hard to beat like Atletico Madrid. Similarly to the Messi-Ronaldo debate, or even the Messi-Ronaldo-Maradonna-Pele debate. Football should be enjoyed and discussed passionately, but not causing the divide that we often see even amongst the closest of relations.
A true fan sticks by the club, through thick and thin. Especially in the worst of times. But above all, try to enjoy the process because football is an escape from the difficulties of Life.
