Solskjaer was sacked after failing to win silverware at Manchester United for three years
Under Ralf Rangnick, United have failed to improve, and are set to miss out on Champions League football next season
According to Roy Keane, his former club would have probably had a higher finish on the log had Solskjaer remained as boss

Manchester United would be in a far better position if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was not sacked, according to former Red Devil Roy Keane.

Solksjaer was sacked in November 2021, after a poor run of results saw the Norwegian lose five league games in seven matches including an embarrassing defeat to Watford.

He was replaced by Ralf Rangnick, who was brought in to steady the ship, at least until the end of the season.

Despite optimism surrounding Rangnick’s appointment, United have continued to struggle in all competitions, and with three league games to go, the Red Devils look set to miss out on Champions League football.

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The 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Thursday, April 28 summed up United’s season, with fans all but giving up in the race for a top four finish.

Roy Keane, who had a successful stint at United under Sir Alex Ferguson, weighed in on his former club’s current situation with a brutally honest assessment.

He was asked by Dave Jones whether it was a mistake to sack Solskjaer in November, and his answer was quite interesting.

“They obviously wouldn’t have done any worse if Ole was here,” he said as quoted on SportBible.

“But obviously the decision was made, so you can’t keep looking back.”

“You can go back to the other managers, go back as far as David Moyes. I’d argue managers should be given more time that what they are but the reality of top football clubs is there is no patience,”

He was then asked if United would be in a better position had Solskjaer stayed.

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“If Ole stayed on? In terms of league postion, I’d say yeah,” he added.

United will be under the guidance of outgoing Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag, who has signed a three year deal with the Red Devils.

Meanwhile, Ralf Rangnick is to take up a consultancy role at Manchester United, amid offers on the table to become the next Austria manager.

Keane on Rashford

In the same analysis, Keane was critical of Marcus Rashford for the winger’s demeanor prior to the Chelsea clash.

During the pre-match warm-up, the England international was seen smiling, and Keane could have none of it.

“Every time I see him in the warm-up he is smiling or laughing. You are going to war. You are fighting for your future. Start smiling when you score a goal, or you do something that affects the game. Or gets people off their seats. Laughing all the time in a warm-up, come on.” Keane said.

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