Ole Gunnar Solskjaer understandably has his critics for the job he is doing at Manchester United.
The Reds are heading for their worst league points total in 30 years under the Norwegian’s stewardship.
But the rebuild Solskjaer has been forced to oversee was never going to bear fruit overnight, and there are certainly signs that things are heading in the right direction.
United were unbeaten in 11 games in which they conceded just two goals before the COVID-19 postponement.
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Recruitment has been spot on and the winter signing of Bruno Fernandes has revitalised the attack. Perhaps with more luck than judgement, Solskjaer has also uncovered somewhat of a gem in deadline day signing Odion Ighalo who is providing a useful second striker option.
While making signings is crucial in accelerating the rebuild, Solskjaer is aware of how important it is to stick to the club’s greatest tradition and continue to give opportunities to players that have been developed in the academy system.
And the club should be extremely proud of the fact they have fielded 11 homegrown players in the Premier League this season – more than any other side.
Solskjaer has afforded regular first-team spots to rising talents Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams, while Angel Gomes and Tahtith Chong have had to settle for more sporadic appearances.
James Garner is the next player coming through the ranks that is close to breaking into the first-team squad.
There is obvious difficulty for players coming through the academy to break into the first-team, but Solskjaer has proven to the club’s talented youngsters that there is definitely a pathway for them to make the big step-up from age-group football.
Manchester United have fielded 11 homegrown players in the Premier League in 2019/20 – more than any other team. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/RHHji8SP2K
— MUFC Scoop (@MUFCScoop) March 27, 2020
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