Jamie Carragher believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “still resembles an interim manager” six months into his permanent reign at Old Trafford.
Following the sacking of Jose Mourinho, Solskjaer was initially brought in until the end of the season and won 14 of his first 17 games in charge.
After being handed a three-year contract in March, however, form has derailed.
Solskjaer has won six of his 18 games at the helm since then and Manchester United currently sit eighth in the Premier League table following last weekend’s 2-0 loss at West Ham.
The Norwegian tactician has largely avoided criticism in comparison to other parts of the club, though, such as the players, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and the owners, the Glazer family.
“Let’s be honest,” Carragher told the Telegraph, “There is an understandable reluctance from United supporters, ex-players or anyone with a love or affiliation to the club to admit the coach is not performing at the required level for a club of such stature.
“Solskjaer is not liked by United fans. He is loved. It is too difficult for many to bring themselves to point the finger at him in the way they did David Moyes, Louis van Gaal or Jose Mourinho, who were detached emotionally as they had no previous links to Old Trafford.
“When results were poor under them they were held accountable and there was little sympathy. Even neutrals who saw Solskjaer’s post-match interview after last week’s defeat at West Ham cannot help but feel sorry for him.
“To me, Solskjaer still resembles an interim manager – in place to clear the dressing room of expensive, underperforming names and put the spine of a team together for his successor.
“In my view he will never lead United to a Premier League title or win the Champions League because even if he achieves the goal of restoring stability, I believe he will be replaced by an established, elite coach.”
For all the faults of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson regime, there are not many qualms about United’s summer signings.
Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire have all hit the ground running this term and Carragher believes that naming the latter skipper, in place of Ashley Young, could help Solskjaer’s cause.
“It may not be in his nature, but that is why it has reached the stage where it would be wise of Solskjaer to help himself more by putting pressure on those above to make more signings during the January transfer window as he may not be in charge for another one,” the former Liverpool defender wrote.
“He should also take a firm decision by immediately appointing Harry Maguire captain.
“He can be empowered to take such big decisions by his popularity.”
