The Manchester United noose has tightened around Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s neck.
His fate is seemingly sealed.
Repeatedly, the baby-faced assassin has escaped from the jaws of death, winking those frosty blue eyes as he lives to fight another day.
But this time, running away from his demons is not an option.
For many, losing 5-0 at Old Trafford to Liverpool last weekend hammered the final nail in the Norwegian’s coffin.
Even if the board insist they still have Solskjaer’s back, the word on the wider grape vine implies otherwise.
Antonio Conte is currently favourite to replace the former striker in United’s dugout.
Claiming Conte’s services will be viewed as massive upgrade from many sections of the Red Devil’s fiery community.
Not to mention from within the dressing room, as suggestions of player unrest seep out from the floor boards.
However, there may be a few freedom fighters that actually want Solskjaer to remain in charge.
Here are three United stars we think will miss the 48-year-old if he is dismissed:
Luke Shaw
The last time a coach once of Chelsea’s colours took over Manchester United, Luke Shaw suffered more than anybody.
His relationship with Jose Mourinho was poisoned from the very first whistle.
Mourinho’s constant public criticism of the defender left a sour tase in everybody’s mouths.
Even after the pair separated, the war of words continued.
Thankfully for Shaw’s sake, Solskjaer stepped in and arguably saved his career.
He quickly re-established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest full-backs, as well as regaining a spot in the England set-up.
Shaw was named United’s 20/21 Player of the Year, in no small part to Solskjaer.
If Conte comes in, there is the fear he might repeat Mourinho’s unwanted antics.
Fred
Another bi-product of Mourinho’s reign, Fred has found life challenging as a red.
Bought for big money back in 2018, the midfielder is yet to convince everyone he belongs at the highest echelons of European football.
But, Solskjaer still sees something in the Brazilian that very few have yet to recognise.
Last season, Fred played 48 times; only six others made more appearances.
He is already on ten for the term, more than the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jesse Lingard and Scott McTominay.
Of course, Conte might be able to wave his magic wand over the former Shakhtar Donetsk man.
Although, United have been crying out for a dominative defensive midfielder for some time, therefore Fred’s time might be up under the new regime.
Scott McTominay
Remaining on the theme of holding midfielders, Scott McTominay’s position could also be in danger, permitted Solskjaer leaves his post.
The Scotland international is well liked by the coaching staff and a majority of the fan base.
McTominay enjoyed his best scoring return in senior football last year – netting seven times – an indication of the improvements made by the ex-centre-forward.
Yet, there are still question marks over: A. is he the CDM United have been looking for? And B. is CDM even his best role in the team?
Queries Conte – or whoever else takes control – will have to work out; the answers might not be pretty.
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