This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
As quoted by The Evening Standard, Eddie Howe has given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a glowing endorsement for the work he has done at Manchester United.
What did he say?
Following a difficult start to the campaign, the Red Devils have bounced back in style in recent games, and look to be finding their feet once more.
Solskjaer’s men halted Liverpool’s flawless run in the Premier League with a battling draw at Old Trafford, before racking up three consecutive away victories in quick succession.
And now, Bournemouth boss Howe has given his seal of approval to what the Norwegian has achieved at United, and insisted he has done an “excellent job” so far.
Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
He said: “There’s positive signs for them. They’ve got quality players, a very good manager who has given them real stability. He’s working to the future to build a new Manchester United. I imagine it is (hard under that level of pressure). I think he’s handled himself really well and done an excellent job to this point.
“Certainly looking at their last few games, which I have in great detail, I think they have played very well. The game against Chelsea was a very strong performance. They’ll be pleased with their attacking play and defensive structures.”
Platform
For someone like Howe to deliver an encouraging verdict on Solskjaer’s time at Old Trafford, should act as a ringing endorsement for what the Norwegian has done. The pressure and the spotlight at United is second-to-none in the Premier League, and with his only previous managerial experience including Cardiff and Molde, the step-up to taking the reins at one of English football’s most dominant sides would have been intimidating.
And with speculation surrounding his long-term future at the club appearing to intensity earlier this season, the writing may have been on the wall. But, Solskjaer has kept cool, calm and composed in the face of adversity, and looks to have guided his stumbling United side around the corner. A win against Howe’s Bournemouth on Saturday lunch-time would firmly give them the platform to keep improving.