Had Solskjær’s Advice Been Heeded, Man United Could Have Ruled Again
Manchester United's recruitment strategy in recent years has been controversial, especially during Solskjaer's coaching period. He had repeatedly proposed recruitment suggestions to the club, but the management did not fully adopt them. Looking back now, if Manchester United had listened to Solskjaer's advice, perhaps the Red Devils would have had a terrifying super lineup.
Goalkeeper: Maignan
During his coaching period, Solskjaer hoped to introduce a more stable goalkeeper to replace De Gea, whose form was fluctuating. He was looking at Maignan in Ligue 1. The French goalkeeper's performance in Milan proved his world-class level. If Manchester United had signed him, perhaps the team's defense would have been more stable.
Defense: Cancelo, Varane, Ruben Dias, Theo
During Solskjaer's coaching period, Manchester United's defense has always had loopholes. He had hoped to bring in more aggressive full-backs, such as Cancelo and Theo Hernandez, and in the center back position, he had hoped to partner Varane with Ruben Dias, who was still at Benfica at the time. Unfortunately, Manchester United ultimately failed to sign Ruben Dias, and he quickly became one of the best central defenders in the Premier League after joining Manchester City.
#### **Midfield: Rice, Bellingham, B Fee**
Sochaux had proposed an upgrade plan for Manchester United's midfield, and the two players he most wanted to sign were Declan Rice and Bellingham. Rice's defensive interception ability can provide great help to the team, and Bellingham's all-around attributes have been perfectly demonstrated in Real Madrid. If these two can partner with B Fee, Manchester United's midfield will be a dream combination.
#### **Forward: Haaland, Kane, Sancho**
When Solskjaer was coaching, he strongly recommended the introduction of Haaland. At that time, the Norwegian striker had not yet fully become a world-class player, but Solskjaer knew his potential. Unfortunately, Manchester United failed to sign him, and now Haaland is one of the world's top shooters. In addition, Solskjaer also hoped to sign Kane and make him the absolute core of Manchester United's forward line. If Manchester United had acted decisively, they might have one of the strongest forwards in the world now.
#### **If it were realized, how terrifying would this lineup be? **
If Manchester United adopted all of Solskjaer's suggestions for signings, the team's starting lineup might be:
**Maignan/Cancelo, Varane, Ruben Dias, Theo/Rice, Bellingham, B Fee/Haaland, Kane, Sancho**
This lineup almost includes the top players in all positions in today's football, enough to compete for the Premier League and even the Champions League. However, the reality is that Manchester United's signing strategy is chaotic, and the team is still wandering on the road of reconstruction. Perhaps, if the management can trust Solskjaer more, the fate of the Red Devils will be completely different.
Manchester United fans, what do you think? Welcome to discuss in the comment section!
