Manchester United Legends Give Solskjaer Blunt Advice On How To Win Games

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer received some tips from his former teammates.

Following a dour derby draw against Manchester City Saturday, United finds itself at five points behind league leader Tottenham. The team has been inconsistent in terms of maintaining a winning streak, claiming three victories in the last five games.

Weighing in on United’s performances this season, former Red Devils Keane and Neville candidly discussed what Solskjaer must do to become serious title contenders once again. For Neville, Solskjaer should aim for dominance and not be shortsighted when it comes to winning.

"I think Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] has to start dominating games,” the former United defender said on Sky Sports. “They are playing in moments. In the next six to eight months, they have to dominate matches and dominate big games. That will be the determining factor for Ole.”

Based on Neville’s assessment, United has done quite well against City, but Solskjaer still hasn’t figured out what to infuse his team with in order to become a championship squad.

"They have to start playing as a team and perform,” the pundit pointed out. “Today was 'OK', but it's not a tactic for Manchester United to win football matches in the long-term or to win titles.”

“All the teams who win titles dominate football matches - dominating possession, being on the front foot and winning big matches,” he continued. “Ole hasn't got Manchester United there yet and he's been in the job two years.”

Keane, on the other hand, emphasized the thirst to win “trophies.” The ex-United midfielder also gave his old teammate a specific timeframe to get the job done.

"I think [Solskjaer] has got to get his hands on a trophy," Keane said. "There's an obsession about getting in the top four, but l think Manchester United should be automatically doing that.”

"I think by the end of the season Ole will have been in the job long enough to say ‘do we think he is the man to get Manchester United back to challenging for titles?’” he continued. “I still think they are behind Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea. But get your hands on some trophies."

Solskjaer, meanwhile, admitted that where United will land this season is still unclear. However, the Norwegian is certain that come next year, he would know where they are headed.

“We have a game less but it’s a big moment in the season, this time around Christmas, then get to the new year, then you have a break with the FA Cup, maybe then we will have a clearer view of how it will look for us,” the United boss told reporters after Saturday's derby.