Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come under criticism for his managerial performances this season. But according to a recent study, it looks like he’s in little danger of losing his job.
OLBG has revealed the teams with the best and worst track records in hiring and firing managers. By looking at the average number of days a manager is in charge, they have discovered which clubs offer coaches the most security.
But where do Manchester United rank on that list?
Does Solskjaer have to worry?
United rank third on that list, indicating that the Norwegian is in a highly comfortable position. As per the Daily Mirror, Solskjaer is expected to get until the end of the season to show that he can turn the tide at Old Trafford. But his future may not be entirely as secure as this study suggests.
Sir Alex Ferguson ruled the roost at Manchester United for 26 years. Therefore, these statistics aren’t necessarily beneficial to the Red Devils legend. Since the Scot retired from management, his three successors before Solskjaer haven’t exactly set the world alight. David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho lasted on average for 17 months apiece. With that considered, the Norwegian could be on borrowed time.
Read: Manchester United’s month-by-month stats show an alarming drop off in defence and attack.
Best Clubs To Manage In The UK
Celtic is the safest club to manage in the UK, according to OLBG. They stand at the top of the table with Liverpool and United, with all three clubs having had 22 managers throughout their respective histories. But it’s the Scottish giant’s 2050 average days-in-charge count that sets them apart from all the other teams.
Liverpool’s average has improved thanks to Jurgen Klopp’s recent achievements. Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benitez’s long reigns also played their part.
Rangers, Arsenal, Aberdeen and Everton are also comfortable places to work, with the average reigns of their managers surpassing four years.
Worst Clubs To Manage In The UK
Livingston are always keen to take their manager to the chopping block, according to this study. Men in charge of the first team last on average one year and four months in that position.
For the most part, clubs believe that sacking their manager will help them turn a corner and lead them to better things. This assumption is a double-edged sword; QPR and Crystal Palace are both on their 64th manager. The Hoops reached the 1976 European Cup Quarter-final and spent several seasons in the Premier League, whilst the Eagles are still dining in the top flight. However, both teams have gone through their fair share of struggles as well.
It is never easy to know when to sack your manager. This quandary is a complicated predicament for Manchester United in particular. A coach like Sir Alex Ferguson comes around once in a generation, so finding the right man to take over his mantel was never going to be easy. Does Solskjaer deserve more time to prove that he is still the man for the job?
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