Next Manager - Poll and Scenarios

The likely candidates to vote for:

1. Ole Gunnar Solskjær
2. Mauricio Pochettino
3. Zinedine Zidane
4. Massimiliano Allegri

Those are the four candidates that we have heard of thus far. But as Ole continues to serve as manager, it appears that the odds of him becoming full-time manager are getting shorter not just based on performance, but how the team has responded to him. I have heard an argument that Manchester United may well be looking at scenario similar to Chelsea when Roberto Di Matteo in 2012 won the Champions League as an interim-manager. I understand that it is still early days, but if we are able to finish in the Top 4, I would be happy with Ole as permanent manager than getting anyone else from outside because he naturally fits the culture of the club. With good around him, I think he will do well.

If, however, the board decides to get some from outside, who should it be? Naturally on past success, I think most fans probably think Zidane - but I have my reservations. I can't quite articulate why, but it'd feel like we are back to failed formula of getting superstar manager for instant gratification. This is where Poch comes into play. Pochettino would certainly fit the mold of what I think a manager of Manchester United should be about. Respected, long term thinking, resourceful and excellent man-manager. I don't know if I can think of any other outside candidates with all those qualities as aligned as Poch.

Case can be made for Allegri. It's easy to forget that he has been successful throughout his career, even before joining Juventus. But as I've said, I think it is far more important to have a manager that direcly aligns with the culture of Manchester United. So, for me, Ole will be first if the performance continues to improve with Poch second if the board decides to go outside.

 

Ole is the man, as I've said he has United in his blood but that isn't just some naïve, rose tinted view based on these last few games. I have to admit that his appointment came completely from left field which gives me reason to think that the board must have had him in mind for some time - you don't just sack someone of the standing of JM and then fish around for a new manager (all the more curious that Giggs wasn't on their radar - past indiscretions perhaps.......) . We have sterner tests to come that will reveal any shortcomings in Ole's skills-set, but even then, top management these days is a collective effort. If his forte is man management (and it certainly seems like it to me) then so be it - if tactics are needed then those skills can be brought in too. If all else fails I would go for Poch, I would have gone for Poch as first choice just a few weeks ago until Ole joined.

ZZ is just fluff - he has no experience of developing a side, he was handed a successful RM squad on a plate. He would be too much of a risk. Allegri almost falls into the same category of risk - no PL experience and the language issue concerns me.

 

Let’s see how Ole and the team get on in tougher games. Great so far but if he can get a 1.5 average from the remaining top 6 fixtures for the rest of this season he deserves a full season.

 

Ole isn't just the right choice because of his status as a Utd legend but also because of the team he has around him and his willingness to ask for and listen to advice.

He is the new SAF that Moyes never became and along with Phelan and Carrick has a far greater understanding of "the Utd way". He has no arrogance or narcissistic tendencies shown by the previous incumbent and the players are relishing the freedom to play without the fear of public reprisals.

I think he is providing what Giggs would have provided had he been given the chance after LvG's third season. Had Giggs not been managing Wales, I think he may have been in the frame again.

 

I think Pochetinno would make a fine United manager. He'd rebuild the squad in his own time and be given that time.

If Ole is successful though he absolutely should be given the job full time. He's done well so far but, let's be honest, the opposition has been bang average at best. I'm looking forward to the Spurs game and how we do against the likely main other contender.

If he gets us into top four that's a hell of an achievement though and I'd be happy to see him given it full time as an actual United 'man'.
I can see a good FA cup run too, he loved that competition.
The CL is just a lottery, be great to do well but I'm not expecting much so any progress is a bonus and he shouldn't really be judged in that.

He should also be trusted to buy this month, we do need a quality centre half.

Allegri would be third choice, and a good choice at that. It won't be Zidane as they could have just given it him now.

 

This is heart or head stuff - heart says Solskjaer but head is Pochettino - sure the last 4 games have been good but I can tell you as a Leicester fan, I was in this exact position with Craig Shakespeare and he was rightfully sacked after and excellent start.

Wouldn't be surprised if all of your transfers this window are players that were linked with Spurs...

 

@BigFox , I think going with Zidane would be the heart over head scenario. When you have one of the very best players and the most consistent performer in the world in form of Ronaldo, it is hard to judge the experience of the manager. It's like managing Barca with Messi. This is where I agree with Chief.

If Ole is not going to be the permanent manager, the only option that I would be comfortable with is Poch. So much so that if you gave me option of Pep before City or Poch, I would still pick Poch. He is the only manager in the top 4 or 3 consistently that has actually built a squad without throwing money around. You never hear him chastising his players openly. And last but not least, it would actually be a long term appointment. If we want longevity, it has to be between Ole and Poch. I believe success will follow either of those two.

This is actually first post since you joined in 2011? . I guess Ole brought you back, huh?!

 

Give it to Ole. The fans are happy, the players are happy. Let’s have a period of happy after the ****ing misery of Mourinho and negativity of LVG.

 

Ole joining now is the reason why I think he is out of the picture - otherwise you'd have someone much more experienced like Blanc to school the players ready for him to come in.

Ole is ready made to be dropped as he has a job to go back to - even if he does a Moyes he will be still venerated and if he succeeds then the pressure is on Pochettino to exceed him.

 

I think I agree with that statement. That would have been the calculation of the board. Bringing in Ole to buy them more time. Low risk, low expectation. However, if come May, Ole manages to win 75-80+ percentages of the remaining matches, then their initial calculation will have new major factor to consider.

My heart says Ole, but my head says Poch based on his all round record.

 

Wow, I hadn't realised I was being stalked !!

 

And this is your second post.

Things have changed since this thread was opened. I am guessing that if Ole wins the first 10 games, then many will 100% expect him to get the full time job. At this point, I believe Ole is the right man for the position due to the quality of his backroom staff and overall setup which shows in the team. He has set things up to succeed. I like Poch, but if Ole wins 70% of matches between now and end of season, he should rightly be given the job.

 

Unfortunately I can see Poch getting the job - but how about giving Ole the role of Director of Football

 

At this point, it isn't impossible that United would finish above Tottenham given the injuries they are having. Of course we need to continue to win to stand any chance but the possibility is certainly better now than 3 weeks ago. In that scenario, it would be preposterous to give the job to a manager than finishes below Ole.

 

Let's see what happens first, eh?

I think giving Ole the job mid season would be a mistake, even if he wins the next five games on top of what he already he has.

My all means, tell him he's got it, privately, if that's the intention. Let him keep his impetus going with a carrot at the end of the stick, so to speak.

It has to be the right man this time.

Just don't announce anything till close season and keep the search going for potential future manager candidates.

 

Had they dropped points at Fulham I think we would have finished above them as they would have been deflated and feeling sorry for themselves. That last minute winner will give them the confidence that they can get through this injury period and hold onto third. We should definitely be targeting 4th though as Chelsea's players have turned on the manager and Arsenal are still flaky. I think both have to come to OT.

 

One of the main attractions for Woodward in getting Poch instead of giving the job to Ole might be the fact that Poch might be able to lure some talent away from the Spuds - of course though, Levy would make it difficult.

 

Maybe. Who though?

Kane? right now Rashford is becoming an equally as good striker.
Alli? you're all right, thanks.
Erikson? great player, is it worth a new manager just for him?
Alderweireld? He'd come anyway, possibly even on a free in summer. Not sure if he signed a contract extension but even if he has he wouldn't be expensive.

Beyond that, meh.

 

If it goes down to it though, it will take a big pair of cojones to tell Ole he hasn't got the job. The gutless bastard Woodward would probably ask SAF to do it. As for Spurs layers, I would take Kane paired up top with Rashford and Erikson's guile in midfield

 

He won't win the next five.






















I hope