Pundit Alan Shearer believes it’s far too early to claim Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made an impact on Manchester United but believes there is a way he can make the job permanent.
The Norwegian was handed the reigns on a temporary basis and fans saw an immediate effect on the team as they ran out 5-1 winners against Cardiff City in his first match in charge.
Solskjaer was brought in as a caretaker manager after Jose Mourinho was sacked in the wake of the defeat to Liverpool.
Fans were excited to see one of their own legends take charge but Shearer is a little cautious about getting carried away.
Ole only had a few days to prepare for the Cardiff match but the tactical changes were already apparent.
According to The Daily Star, Alan said to The Sun: “You can’t comment on Solskjaer’s effect yet.
“If they are still playing like they did on Saturday in two months’ time then, yes, you can say he has had a real impact.
“If things go well until the end of the season and he can even win a trophy like the FA Cup, then he is absolutely in the frame to be considered for the job full-time.
“But they are not suddenly a great team because they beat Cardiff — they are a long way from being that.
“I don’t think they will get into the top four, especially if they don’t make a couple of decent signings in January.
“They still have issues in terms of creativity in midfield and they look miles away when I look at the defence.
“They still have one of the best keepers in the world, but defensively they are all over the place.”
It’s true that it’s far too early to get carried away as fans will have to wait for the excitement to die down before Solskjaer’s effect can be truly judged.
It’s also true that it doesn’t matter too much how well the former Molde manager does as United’s hopes for top four are not really within easy reach.
Ole has to lead his side on a winning run whilst hoping Chelsea and Arsenal simultaneously drop eight points just to become level with the 4th and 5th placed sides.
It’s not completely unrealistic but it’s better for there to be no real expectations and instead to ensure there’s a good setup prepared for the next manager in charge.