Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes it is a change in ‘culture’ and improvement in ‘league position’ that show the progress Manchester United have made under his management.
United are without a major trophy since the 2016/17 season and are yet to win silverware since Solskjaer’s appointment as manager three years ago, though remain in contention for both the FA Cup and Europa League this season ahead of a defining week in the campaign.
United travel to face AC Milan in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 meeting tomorrow, with the tie poised at 1-1 following the first encounter between the two sides.
The clash with the Italian side is followed by an FA Cup quarter-final with Leicester this weekend and hopes will be high that the Red Devils can secure two positive results as they bid to end their wait for major honours.
Solskjaer, however, believes trophies are not the sole indicators of success and believes the progress of his tenure can be judged on alternative factors, pointing towards a change in ‘culture’ at the club following a difficult transitional period following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
United have also shown signs of improvement in the Premier League and currently sit second in the division, Solskjaer insisting their improved league performances are a tangible sign of progression.
“You see the culture and what is happening every day with a lot of work,” Solskjaer said at his pre-match press conference.
“It is for others to assess how much of an improvement [we have made]. 12 points ahead of where we were last season. A trophy can hide other factors about what is happening.
“It is league position where you see whether you are progressing. We are aiming to win. That is why we play football.”
Read – Five times Man United secured famous results in Italy
Read Also – Remembering when a 21-year-old Ronaldo Nazario won the Ballon d’Or
