LONDON, Jan 12, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a golden
opportunity to further his credentials for the permanent manager’s job at
Manchester United when he goes head to head against Tottenham boss Mauricio
Pochettino on Sunday.
The Norwegian interim manager has enjoyed a perfect start to his Old
Trafford career, winning all five matches and transforming the mood among
players and fans.
But in the opposite dugout at Wembley will be Pochettino, who remains the
favourite to be named to the United hot seat after keeping Spurs on the
fringes of the Premier League title race against considerable odds.
United have beaten Cardiff, Huddersfield, Bournemouth and Newcastle in the
league and Reading in the FA Cup since Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho last
month.
But third-placed Tottenham in London will be a different proposition and
the match will be a severe examination of how far United have come under
their temporary leader.
Solskjaer has revitalised a number of players including Paul Pogba and
Marcus Rashford, but bristles at suggestions he has had an easy ride so far.
“We’ve had tests,” he said. “Newcastle away is a test and the first game
was a test as to how everyone reacted. The first home game with the crowd is
a test.”
“We are not going to get as many chances to attack against these as we had
before so when we have the ball we have to be ready to play well with it and
we have to use the whole pitch because Wembley is a decent size pitch as
well,” he added.
Solskjaer says he has not spoken to the club hierarchy about the full-time
position although has clearly stated his desire to stay beyond the end of the
season.
The minimum requirement for Solskjaer is probably to qualify for next
season’s Champions League — United have closed the gap significantly but are
still six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
But the former striker, who has United fans’ undying loyalty after his
exploits as a player, must see off the threat from Pochettino if he is to
prolong his stay at Old Trafford.
– Spurs trophy charge –
Spurs have amassed 48 points after 21 matches, just two behind Manchester
City and six shy of leaders Liverpool and are still competing on four fronts
with Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup commitments on top of a title
challenge.
Pochettino started the season with two huge challenges — no fresh signings
and no proper break for many of his top stars after they were involved in the
World Cup until the final weekend.
Tottenham, who beat United 3-0 at Old Trafford earlier this season, are
also still waiting to move into their new stadium after months of delays.
The Argentine boss, who has yet to win a trophy as a manager, has given
mixed messages over his future, refusing to rule out a move to Old Trafford
but also saying he hopes to be at Spurs for 20 years.
But Pochettino believes neither he nor Solskjaer will need any extra
motivation than the three points on offer on Sunday.
“Of course for him (Solskjaer) it’s a massive motivation or challenge to
manage Manchester United, like for me it’s a massive challenge to be in front
for this football club, Tottenham.
“Always the motivation is to win because we’re so competitive. We’re people
that love to win and hate to lose, and always when you play a friendly game
or a competitive game like Sunday always it’s about winning.”