Sort out the defence
Given how solid United had been at the back during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign at Old Trafford, combined with Mourinho’s preference to prioritise defence over attack, it’s a shock to see that there are only a handful of clubs in the Premier League that have conceded more times than the Red Devils this term.
United have been horrendous in defence so far this season, conceding goals left right and centre against teams they would’ve had no trouble keeping clean sheets against in previous years.
With injuries to Eric Bailly, Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw limiting the options Mourinho had to choose from at the back, the Red Devils have often had to go into games with a more-than makeshift backline.
Players like Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay have been made to play in defence on more than occasion this season, something Solskjaer cannot afford to do if he’s to turn United’s season around.
Solskjaer is going to need to fix United’s leaky backline almost immediately if he’s so make his stint in charge a success, something he may be able to do if he’s allowed to sign players in the January transfer window.
The 48-year-old could add some serious quality to United’s defence should he be able to dip into the transfer market, an option he and the club should definitely consider if they don’t want to miss out on Champions League football.
Play Entertaining football
Up until recently, United were known as one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Premier League, with the Red Devils constantly getting fans at Old Trafford off their feet with their free-flowing, attacking football.
With players like Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov, Andy Cole and Ruud Van Nistelrooy at his disposal over the years, Ferguson was allowed to turn United into side who were, more often than not, seriously entertaining to watch.
This part of United has died in recent years, with all of David Moyes, van Gaal and Mourinho failing to set the Premier League alight with their style of football at United.
The Red Devils have players like Pogba, Mata, Lingard and Marcus Rashford, all of whom are capable of producing great link-up play and coming up with some impressive moments of magic.
Solskjaer may not be at United for long, however he can definitely leave a lasting impression at Old Trafford should he bring back exciting, free flowing, attacking football to United for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club back in 2013.