Manchester United are back; there’s no doubt about it. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done an outstanding job since taking over at the helm and it is time for the Old Trafford board to reward his efforts.
All Solskjaer has ever wanted is the permanent position and it looks like he's going to get it. If United decide to look elsewhere, there will be uproar.
The change in mindset under Solskjaer is clear for all to see. No team in Champions League history had gone through after losing 2-0 at home in the first leg but United, buoyed by Ole’s spirit and enthusiasm, got off to the perfect start through Romelu Lukaku.
The penalty decision was fortuitous yes but most would argue that United deserved a stroke of luck after an excellent display. With 10 first team players ruled out through suspension or injury, the Red Devils were up against it.
888sport Champions League betting had Solskjaer’s men as rank outsiders to progress but United didn’t care about upsetting the odds.
United ended the game with 19-year-old Tahith Chong and 17-year-old Mason Greenwood on the pitch. This was the latest in an array of fantastic results under Solskjaer; FA Cup wins at Arsenal and Chelsea were special but this is United’s greatest win yet.
Everything had gone against the Red Devils in the build-up but the Premier League side continued to believe.
Confidence and belief are flowing through the squad right now and every player has raised their game since Solskjaer’s arrival.
The difference in standard of performance compared to just four months ago is staggering – it goes some way to showing how Jose Mourinho was allowing his egotistical nature to impact his players.
Paul Pogba is case and point. Under Mourinho, the Frenchman was unable to impact games at the right end of the pitch. Mourinho’s style severely hindered Pogba’s ability to shine.
Under Solskjaer, it has been a different story. Pogba has been directly involved in 16 goals in 12 games since Solskjaer’s arrival compared to nine goals in 20 games under Mourinho.
But it isn’t just about Pogba. Solskjaer has injected new life into this United side across the board.
“It’s never mission impossible” – Solskjaer said that himself in the PSG pre-match press conference earlier in the week. Supporters took note but might not have necessarily bought into his view.
But his United team did. It is far too early to label Solskjaer as Sir Alex Ferguson 2.0 but you can certainly see the similarities between the two. Solskjaer is learning from "The Boss" and that can only be positive for his development.
Solskjaer has formed a strong bond in the dressing room; it may not be the most talented United side of all-time but there is a proper team mentality at Old Trafford.
Nobody is bigger than the club – individual ego has disappeared. It is more about the collective than the sum of its parts these days and Solskjaer is the commodore, steering the Manchester United ship to greatness.
The United fans partied late into the Parisian night like it was 1999 – most inside the Parc des Princes were in shock but the away supporters were jubilant.
Love them or hate them, you have to admire United’s never say die attitude. I spoke about channeling the spirit of 1999 in my Champions League preview this week and United did just that on Wednesday night.
United have forgotten how to lose under Solskjaer and the Red Devils are in it to win it. And on current form, it is difficult to back against them.
Attention now turns back to the Premier League and a massive clash at Arsenal awaits. The Red Devils cannot afford to ponder too much on the PSG result; winning at the Emirates will take United four points clear of the Gunners in the top four battle.
888sport have Solskjaer’s side as underdogs again, odds of 43/20 for an away win represents value in my book.
The turnaround has been rather remarkable. Solskjaer’s side have dropped just four points in their last 12 Premier League games, drawing against Burnley and Liverpool.
United were 11 points outside the top four when Solskjaer arrived at the helm and they now have the chance to potentially move level on points with third placed Tottenham Hotspur.
Solskjaer has United fans dreaming of Champions League glory – and who can blame them? Now 10/1 with 888sport, the Red Devils have a real chance now they have found their mojo again. Write Solskjaer’s side off at your peril; this is not just a phase – Manchester United are back and they’re back for good.
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
