Manchester United have been inconsistent in the Premier League this season under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
The Red Devils have played seven times in the English top-flight this season, winning and losing three apiece, and drawing once.
This means United have picked up a mediocre 10 points from their first seven outings, and they currently sit 14th on the log.
Manchester United have failed to win each of their first four home games of the Premier League:
✘ 1-3 Crystal Palace
✘ 1-6 Spurs
✘ 0-0 Chelsea
✘ 0-1 ArsenalIt's a London thing. 😬 pic.twitter.com/rCC70Ef9YS
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 1, 2020
Of course, it’s still early days, but questions are already being raised about Manchester United’s consistency and Solskjær will be required to find the answers.
Pressure is an occupational hazard in football, even more so at Old Trafford. When you play for or coach Manchester United, the pressure is, inevitably, always on.
Being able to navigate the pressures that come with the massive expectations at the club would perhaps be challenging enough, but it becomes extra troublesome when the damage is self-inflicted.
Solskjær seems to thrive when under pressure at the helm, but that’s because ever so often, there seems to be a mini-crisis at United. The inconsistency in results tends to add fuel to the already roaring flame.
When things seem to be going well, things go south, and the pressure cooker inevitably gets turned on again. This recurring pattern means that more often than not, Solskjær will be under immense strain to deliver.
His United side tends to play much better when faced with adversity and given his history in these situations, perhaps the pressure being on is a good thing, a necessary evil.
Manchester United since the loss against Spurs:
✅ 4-1 vs. Newcastle United
✅ 2-1 vs. PSG
🤝 0-0 vs. Chelsea
✅ 5-0 vs. RB LeipzigResponse. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/6gw9zWPlGW
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 28, 2020
However, for any team with lofty ambitions, inconsistencies are unacceptable. Manchester United are just that, a side that aims to recapture its glory days, and Solskjær will have to sort out this issue if he is to deliver.
Manchester United play West Bromwich Albion tomorrow evening and as usual, they will be expected to win.
Win or lose, Solskjær will come under more pressure afterward. The difference, however, is that a win comes with external pressure, but with a loss the damage done is self-inflicted.