There's absolutely no question that Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was nervous for Saturday's massive clash with Spurs. After all, he is in the hot seat following a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend. The Red Devils board has given him three games to turn things around at Old Trafford and thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo, his job is secure…for the time being.
United was utterly dominant in North London, cruising to a crucial 3-0 victory. Of course, Ronaldo was the leading catalyst in the final third, smashing home a clinical volley in the 39th minute before setting up Edinson Cavani with a brilliant through ball midway through the second half. Manchester United looked like a much different side. Solskjaer changed up the formation, opting to go with a back three and partnering Cavani with Ronaldo up top. That proved to be the difference-maker, with both strikers getting in on the action.
While Spurs are frankly in dreadful form right now, this was a confidence-booster that United needed desperately. In the process, the side has eased the pressure off their gaffer, who could've definitely been sacked if they tasted defeat once again.
These Manchester United players love the Norwegian. While there were reports that some of the squad believe Solskjaer isn't the man to turn things around, the support he has in the locker room is clear. A simple tactical change did wonders on Saturday and it could be the answer to really unlocking their attack.
Giving Ronaldo a strike partner like Cavani, who has a tremendous work rate in the final third, is a potential recipe for success. Defensively, Manchester United is still vulnerable at times, but having Raphael Varane back in the fold is surely a boost to their backline.
There are some tough fixtures ahead of Solskjaer and he still needs to keep finding results in order to secure his place in the Old Trafford dugout. The club takes on Atalanta mid-week in the Champions League, followed by a Manchester Derby next Saturday on home soil.
The possibility of Manchester United firing their boss isn't gone. But for now, Solskjaer has Ronaldo to thank. Hopefully, the Red Devils can build off this performance and continue to string together some victories.
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