Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he is ‘grateful’ that the Manchester United board ‘stayed strong’ during the club’s early-season struggles following Chelsea’s decision to sack Frank Lampard.
Chelsea confirmed they had parted company with the club legend in a statement this week following a disappointing run of form, the west London side currently ninth in the Premier League after a run of just two wins in their past eight league fixtures.
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Lampard’s position had come under increasing scrutiny following a number of poor performances, a situation Solskjaer also found himself in earlier in the campaign following humbling home defeats to the likes of Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Arsenal.
Manchester United decided to keep faith with the Norwegian and have been rewarded with a huge upturn in form, the Red Devils currently top of the Premier League following a 13-game unbeaten run.
Solskjaer has praised the club’s board for remaining strong and retaining their faith during ‘spells of bad form’ for his side, insisting there has always been a ‘longer-term plan’ when it comes to turning United into contenders for major silverware.
“We know we would have some tough periods and they have stood strong,” he said at his pre-match press conference ahead on Wednesday’s game against Sheffield United.
“We have been through two or three spells of bad form but they stood strong. We don’t know what is happening behind the scenes. It is always sad when someone loses their job.
“We looked at the squad and the situation we were in,” Solskjaer added. “We had a longer-term plan in place. We knew there were going to be some patchy periods and we had to stay strong mentally.
“The leadership they have shown has been strong and steady. I am grateful for that.”
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