Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has likened his rebuild of Manchester United to painting a house and has discussed the gradual progression of his side.
United currently sit second in the Premier League and have shown signs of progress during the current campaign, though last weekend’s disappointing 1-1 draw at West Brom leaves the Red Devils seven points behind Manchester City having played a game more.
Solskjaer’s side also remain in contention for both the FA Cup and Europa League with the latter competition resuming this week, the club facing Real Sociedad in the first leg of their round of 32 clash on Thursday.
The Norwegian has been discussing the gradual rebuild of the side as he looks to make United regular contenders for major silverware and has offered a unique comparison between Premier League management and home renovations.
“If you paint your house, then you first have to apply a little primer, then it will be layer upon layer upon layer, and finally you are finished painting,” Solskjær told VG. “That’s how we have had to think too. This has to go gradually, and then you know that the colour will be this and that eventually.”
Solskjaer also discussed comments from the media that he should be more bullish regarding his side being title challengers this season, with Roy Keane having been critical of his former teammate for downplaying his side’s chances.
The 47-year-old insists he side remain on course to become contenders for major honours and believes those comments are an indication of the progress the Red Devils have made this season.
“I know that there has been a lot of criticism and discussions about one thing or another, but if you first set a course, then I at least have so much faith in myself that I do not waver too much. If you mix too many colours, it will eventually go wrong as well,” he added.
“We have actually been quite steep. But according to people, we have suddenly become a much better team this year than we seemed to be.
“There have always been small adjustments and a new team that was needed, I felt. I’m not saying I know better than others, but it was – and is – now my job to make us a better team and a better club. I do it in what I think is the best way, and according to my knowledge and my values.”
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