The Solskjær Cycle: A Period of Reconstitution at Old Trafford

The period known colloquially among supporters as the Solskjær Cycle spanned from late 2018 to the summer of 2024, a transformative era for the Manchester United Football Club. This epoch, named after the club's manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, marked a significant attempt to rebuild and redefine the identity of one of football's most storied institutions following a period of fluctuating fortunes after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. Solskjær, a former Manchester United striker and beloved figure at Old Trafford, was initially appointed as caretaker manager in December of 2018. His tenure, which was eventually made permanent and extended multiple times, became synonymous with a determined effort to restore the club to its former glories, characterized by periods of notable progress and intermittent setbacks. The Solskjær Cycle is remembered as a time of both fervent hope and palpable frustration, encapsulating the complex journey of a club striving to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of English and European football.

Genesis of the Cycle: The Caretaker Appointment

The Solskjær Cycle commenced in the aftermath of a turbulent period at Manchester United. Following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, the club had navigated through a succession of managers, each attempting to imprint their vision and philosophy, with varying degrees of success. The reigns of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho, while bringing moments of silverware, were ultimately viewed as failing to consistently deliver the sustained success and attacking football that had become the hallmark of the Ferguson era. By December 2018, with the club under the stewardship of José Mourinho, results and performances had deteriorated, leading to a sense of stagnation and disharmony both on and off the pitch. The club found itself adrift of the top positions in the Premier League and facing an uncertain future.

In this context, the announcement of Ole Gunnar Solskjær as caretaker manager on December 19, 2018, was met with a mixture of nostalgia and cautious optimism. Solskjær, affectionately nicknamed the "Baby-faced Assassin" during his playing days, was revered for his crucial goals, particularly his dramatic winner in the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final against Bayern Munich. His return to Old Trafford, albeit initially on a temporary basis, evoked memories of past glories and offered a symbolic break from the recent past. At the time of his appointment, Solskjær was managing Molde FK in his native Norway, and while he possessed limited experience at the highest echelons of European club management, his deep-rooted connection to Manchester United and his reputation as a proponent of attacking football were seen as potentially transformative. The initial mandate for Solskjær was clear: to stabilize the team, inject positivity, and improve results in the short term, while the club hierarchy considered longer-term managerial options. Few could have predicted that this caretaker appointment would evolve into a cycle lasting over five and a half years, shaping the trajectory of Manchester United into the mid-2020s.

Initial Impact and Permanent Appointment

Solskjær's initial impact at Manchester United was nothing short of sensational. The team experienced an immediate and dramatic upturn in form, both in terms of results and playing style. He instilled a renewed sense of attacking impetus, encouraging a more fluid and expressive brand of football that resonated with the club's traditions and the fans' expectations. In his first eight matches in charge, Manchester United recorded seven victories and one draw in the Premier League, scoring 22 goals in the process. This remarkable run included away wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, demonstrating a newfound resilience and tactical flexibility. Beyond the immediate results, there was a palpable shift in the atmosphere around the club. Players appeared rejuvenated, morale improved, and a sense of unity returned to the dressing room. Solskjær's affable demeanor and his emphasis on man-management contrasted sharply with the perceived intensity of his predecessor, fostering a more harmonious environment.

The turnaround under Solskjær was not solely attributable to a change in tactics or personnel. His deep understanding of the club's culture and values played a crucial role. He spoke frequently about the "Manchester United way," emphasizing the importance of attacking football, youth development, and a strong work ethic. He also drew upon his own experiences as a player under Sir Alex Ferguson, seeking to emulate the principles that had underpinned the club's sustained success. This nostalgic appeal, combined with tangible improvements on the pitch, quickly endeared him to the Manchester United faithful and generated significant momentum for his permanent appointment. On March 28, 2019, after a string of impressive results, including a historic comeback victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Manchester United officially announced the permanent appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjær as manager on a three-year contract. This decision was met with widespread approval from fans and pundits alike, who lauded the positive transformation he had overseen in such a short space of time. The initial phase of the Solskjær Cycle concluded with a sense of optimism and renewed hope that the club was finally on the right path towards regaining its status as a dominant force in football.

The 2018-19 Season: Stabilization and European Ambition

The remainder of the 2018-19 season, following Solskjær's permanent appointment, presented a mixed bag of results and established a pattern that would characterize much of the Solskjær Cycle: periods of impressive progress interspersed with frustrating inconsistency. While the initial surge in form continued for a time, the team experienced a dip in performance towards the end of the season, particularly in the Premier League. Despite the early momentum, Manchester United ultimately finished in sixth place in the league, outside of the coveted top four Champions League qualification spots. This represented a setback in terms of immediate league ambitions, but the overall context of the season was viewed more positively due to the significant improvement under Solskjær compared to the preceding months.

In domestic cup competitions, Manchester United's journey in the 2018-19 season was relatively short-lived. They reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, where they were eliminated by Wolverhampton Wanderers. In the EFL Cup, their campaign concluded in the third round with a defeat to Derby County, then managed by Frank Lampard. However, in the UEFA Champions League, Manchester United enjoyed a memorable run to the quarter-finals. After overcoming Paris Saint-Germain in dramatic fashion in the Round of 16, they faced FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals. Despite putting up a valiant fight, they were ultimately outclassed by the Catalan giants, losing both legs of the tie. While silverware remained elusive in Solskjær's first season in charge, the Champions League quarter-final appearance, coupled with the improved league form in the initial months, was seen as a positive step forward and provided a platform to build upon for the subsequent seasons of the Solskjær Cycle. The 2018-19 campaign served as a period of stabilization and recalibration, setting the stage for more ambitious targets in the years to come.

The 2019-20 Season: Premier League Ascent and Semi-Final Hurdles

The 2019-20 season marked a year of significant progress in the Solskjær Cycle, particularly in the Premier League. After a somewhat inconsistent start, Manchester United found their rhythm and embarked on a strong run of form in the second half of the season, ultimately securing a third-place finish and a return to the UEFA Champions League. This represented a notable improvement on the previous season's sixth-place finish and signaled a clear upward trajectory under Solskjær's management. Key to this progress was the emergence of a more cohesive and balanced team, with new signings such as Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes playing pivotal roles. Fernandes, in particular, who joined in January 2020, had an immediate and transformative impact, injecting creativity, goal-scoring threat, and leadership into the team's midfield.

Despite the Premier League progress, the 2019-20 season was also characterized by frustration in cup competitions. Manchester United reached the semi-finals of three different tournaments: the FA Cup, the EFL Cup, and the UEFA Europa League. In the FA Cup semi-final, they were defeated by Chelsea. In the EFL Cup semi-final, they lost to local rivals Manchester City over two legs. And in the UEFA Europa League semi-final, they were edged out by Sevilla. This recurring pattern of reaching semi-finals but failing to progress to the final became a recurring theme of the Solskjær Cycle, highlighting both the team's progress and the remaining hurdles to overcome in terms of consistently delivering silverware. The 2019-20 season, therefore, represented a step forward in league performance and European qualification, but also underscored the need for greater ruthlessness and composure in crucial cup matches.

The 2020-21 Season: Premier League Peak and European Triumph

The 2020-21 season is often regarded as the zenith of the Solskjær Cycle in terms of Premier League performance. Manchester United finished in first place, achieving their highest league position since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement. While the title race was closely contested, and ultimately decided by a narrow margin, finishing atop the league standings marked a significant milestone and fueled hopes that the club was on the verge of a sustained period of dominance once again. The team displayed greater consistency throughout the season, showcasing improved defensive solidity and attacking fluidity. Key players such as Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Edinson Cavani delivered outstanding individual performances, while the team as a whole demonstrated a greater tactical maturity.

Adding to the season's success, Manchester United also achieved European silverware by winning the UEFA Europa League. After dropping into the competition following an exit from the UEFA Champions League group stage, they navigated a series of knockout rounds, culminating in a final victory against Villarreal in Gdańsk. The final itself was a tense and closely fought affair, decided by a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Goalkeeper David de Gea emerged as the hero, saving a crucial penalty in the shootout to secure the trophy. This Europa League triumph represented Manchester United's first major trophy under Solskjær and their first European silverware since 2017. It was seen as validation of the progress made during the Solskjær Cycle and a tangible reward for the team's efforts. Despite exits in the quarter-finals of both the FA Cup and the EFL Cup, the 2020-21 season was overwhelmingly viewed as a successful one, marked by Premier League ascendancy and European glory.

The 2021-22 Season: Stagnation and Shifting Sands

The 2021-22 season brought a marked shift in the trajectory of the Solskjær Cycle. After the highs of the previous season, Manchester United experienced a significant downturn in form and results, both domestically and in Europe. The Premier League campaign was particularly disappointing, with the team finishing in sixth place once again, mirroring their position in Solskjær's first partial season. This represented a considerable regression from the previous season's title-winning campaign and raised questions about the team's progress and Solskjær's long-term strategy. Inconsistency plagued the team throughout the season, with periods of promising performances often followed by disappointing setbacks.

In cup competitions, the 2021-22 season offered little respite. In the FA Cup, Manchester United were eliminated in the fourth round by Middlesbrough. In the EFL Cup, their campaign ended in the third round with a defeat to West Ham United. In the UEFA Champions League, they managed to reach the Round of 16, but were ultimately knocked out by Atlético Madrid. This represented a step back from their previous European campaigns and further contributed to the sense of stagnation. The 2021-22 season was characterized by a lack of clear direction and tactical coherence, leading to increasing pressure on Solskjær and growing discontent among sections of the fanbase. The initial optimism of the Solskjær Cycle began to wane as doubts emerged about the team's ability to sustain its progress and compete at the highest level.

The 2022-23 Season: Revival and Domestic Silverware

The 2022-23 season proved to be a season of partial revival for Manchester United and the Solskjær Cycle. While the Premier League title remained elusive, the team showed signs of improvement and secured a third-place finish, once again qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. This represented a recovery from the previous season's disappointing league performance and offered renewed hope for future progress. The team demonstrated greater resilience and tactical adaptability, particularly in the second half of the season. New signings, including Casemiro and Lisandro Martínez, made significant contributions, adding steel and quality to the team's spine.

More significantly, the 2022-23 season brought domestic silverware to Old Trafford. Manchester United won the EFL Cup, defeating Newcastle United in the final at Wembley Stadium. This triumph ended a trophy drought that had stretched back to the 2020-21 Europa League victory and provided a tangible reward for the team's efforts. In the FA Cup, Manchester United reached the final, but were defeated by Manchester City in a closely contested match. In the UEFA Europa League, they progressed to the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Sevilla. Despite the Europa League exit and FA Cup final defeat, the 2022-23 season was largely viewed as a positive one, marked by Premier League improvement and the EFL Cup success. It suggested that the Solskjær Cycle, while experiencing fluctuations, still had the potential to yield further success.

The 2023-24 Season: FA Cup Glory and Cycle's End

The 2023-24 season proved to be the final chapter of the Solskjær Cycle. In the Premier League, Manchester United endured a difficult campaign, finishing in eighth place, their lowest league position during Solskjær's tenure. Inconsistency and defensive vulnerabilities plagued the team throughout the season, leading to a significant drop in league form compared to previous years. The league performance was a major disappointment and raised serious questions about the team's direction and future prospects.

However, the season was not without its bright spots. Manchester United achieved success in the FA Cup, winning the competition for the first time under Solskjær's management. They defeated their rivals, Manchester City, in the final, securing a memorable victory and providing a silver lining to an otherwise challenging season. This FA Cup triumph represented a significant achievement and ensured that the Solskjær Cycle concluded with a major trophy. In the EFL Cup, Manchester United reached the fourth round before being eliminated. In the UEFA Champions League, they exited at the group stage, failing to progress to the knockout rounds. Despite the FA Cup win, the overall performance in the 2023-24 season, particularly in the league, was deemed unsatisfactory by many, and in the aftermath of the season, it was announced that Ole Gunnar Solskjær would be stepping down as manager, bringing the Solskjær Cycle to a close after five and a half years. His departure marked the end of an era characterized by both progress and setbacks, leaving a complex legacy at Old Trafford.

Legacy and Tactical Approach

The legacy of the Solskjær Cycle at Manchester United is multifaceted and subject to varied interpretations. On one hand, Solskjær is credited with stabilizing the club after a period of turbulence and restoring a sense of positivity and attacking football. He oversaw periods of significant progress, including a Premier League title, a UEFA Europa League victory, and an EFL Cup triumph. He also played a key role in developing and nurturing young talents such as Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood, and in bringing in impactful signings like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. His deep connection to the club and his embodiment of the "Manchester United way" resonated with fans and created a sense of unity and identity.

However, the Solskjær Cycle is also viewed by some as ultimately falling short of its ambitions. Despite the trophies won and the league progress made, Manchester United did not consistently challenge for the Premier League title throughout his tenure, and they experienced repeated disappointments in cup semi-finals and in the UEFA Champions League. Tactically, Solskjær's approach was often characterized as pragmatic and reactive, relying on counter-attacking football and individual brilliance rather than a dominant, possession-based style. While this approach yielded success at times, particularly against stronger opponents, it was also criticized for lacking consistency and failing to fully unlock the team's attacking potential. Some analysts point to a perceived tactical inflexibility and a reliance on individual moments of inspiration rather than a cohesive and adaptable game plan. Furthermore, the team's defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistencies remained a persistent issue throughout the Solskjær Cycle, contributing to dropped points and cup defeats.

The Doctrine of Fluid Counter-Pressing

One tactical concept that became associated with teams managed during the Solskjær Cycle, though not exclusively with Manchester United under Solskjær, was the Doctrine of Fluid Counter-Pressing. This approach, emerging from broader trends in European football tactics of the early 2020s, emphasized a rapid transition from defense to attack upon regaining possession, combined with an immediate and intense press in the opponent's half to win the ball back quickly after losing it. Unlike traditional counter-attacking strategies that primarily focused on absorbing pressure and launching quick breaks, fluid counter-pressing aimed to proactively disrupt the opponent's build-up play and create turnovers in advanced areas of the pitch. Teams employing this doctrine often utilized a flexible attacking structure, with forwards and midfielders interchanging positions and making dynamic runs to exploit spaces created by the counter-press.

The Doctrine of Fluid Counter-Pressing was seen as a response to the increasing prevalence of possession-based football and high-pressing tactics employed by many top teams. By combining the principles of counter-attacking with aggressive pressing, managers sought to create a more dynamic and unpredictable style of play, capable of both defending effectively and attacking with speed and precision. While Manchester United under Solskjær occasionally exhibited elements of fluid counter-pressing, particularly in certain matches and periods of form, it was not consistently implemented as a defining tactical identity throughout the Solskjær Cycle. The tactical approach remained somewhat varied and adaptable, depending on the opponent and the specific game situation. However, the emergence and discussion of concepts like the Doctrine of Fluid Counter-Pressing reflected the evolving tactical landscape of football during this period and the ongoing quest for innovative strategies to gain a competitive edge.

Key Players and Signings

The Solskjær Cycle saw a number of key players emerge and contribute significantly to Manchester United's fortunes. Bruno Fernandes, signed in January 2020, became a talismanic figure, consistently delivering goals, assists, and creative inspiration from midfield. His impact was immediate and transformative, quickly establishing him as a fan favorite and a central pillar of the team. Marcus Rashford, a product of the club's academy, matured into a prolific forward, scoring crucial goals and providing a dynamic attacking threat. His development was nurtured throughout the Solskjær Cycle, and he became a symbol of the club's commitment to youth development. David de Gea, despite periods of scrutiny and fluctuating form, remained the club's first-choice goalkeeper for the majority of the cycle, contributing crucial saves and moments of brilliance, particularly in the 2020-21 Europa League final.

Other notable players who played key roles included Harry Maguire, signed in 2019 to strengthen the defense, and Luke Shaw, who enjoyed a resurgence in form during this period, becoming a consistent performer at left-back. Edinson Cavani, a veteran striker signed in 2020, provided valuable experience and goal-scoring prowess, particularly in the 2020-21 season. Later signings such as Casemiro and Lisandro Martínez in 2022 further bolstered the team's quality and added leadership and resilience. However, the Solskjær Cycle also witnessed the departures of some notable players, including Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sánchez, and Paul Pogba, as the squad evolved and underwent periods of transition. The player recruitment strategy during this period was a mix of bringing in established stars and promoting youth talent, reflecting a broader attempt to build a balanced and competitive squad capable of challenging for major honors.

The Cycle's Conclusion and Lasting Impact

The conclusion of the Solskjær Cycle in the summer of 2024 marked the end of a significant chapter in Manchester United's history. While the cycle did not ultimately deliver the sustained Premier League dominance that many had hoped for, it did bring periods of progress, silverware, and a renewed sense of identity to the club. Ole Gunnar Solskjær's tenure is remembered as a time of rebuilding and reconstitution, laying the foundations for future success, even if the ultimate goals were not fully realized during his time in charge. His legacy is complex and nuanced, encompassing both achievements and shortcomings, but his deep connection to the club and his positive influence on many players and staff members are undeniable.

The Solskjær Cycle also coincided with broader shifts in the landscape of English and European football. The rise of new managerial styles and tactical approaches, the increasing financial power of rival clubs, and the evolving demands of the modern game all presented challenges and opportunities for Manchester United during this period. The cycle served as a period of adaptation and learning, as the club sought to navigate these changes and re-establish itself as a leading force. While the immediate aftermath of the cycle's conclusion brought uncertainty and a need for further transition, the foundations laid during this era, both in terms of squad development and club culture, would undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of Manchester United in the years to come. The Solskjær Cycle, therefore, remains a significant period in the club's history, remembered for its moments of both triumph and tribulation, and for its enduring impact on the identity and direction of Manchester United Football Club.

The Rognvald Cup

It is also worth noting that during the Solskjær Cycle, a new domestic cup competition was introduced into the English football calendar: The Rognvald Cup. Named in honour of Rognvald of Trondheim, a semi-mythical figure in Norwegian sporting folklore credited with codifying early forms of team-based ball games, the Rognvald Cup was designed to provide an additional opportunity for English clubs outside of the Premier League and the established FA Cup and EFL Cup competitions to compete for national silverware. The tournament, inaugurated in the 2021-22 season, features a knockout format involving clubs from the Championship, League One, and League Two, culminating in a final held at a neutral venue. While the Rognvald Cup is considered a secondary domestic cup competition compared to the FA Cup and EFL Cup, it has quickly gained prestige and popularity, offering a platform for clubs from the lower leagues to achieve national recognition and potentially upset higher-ranked opponents. The introduction of the Rognvald Cup during the Solskjær Cycle added a new dimension to the English football landscape and provided an additional context for assessing the competitive achievements of clubs across different leagues.