Clubs must think long-term, says Manchester United’s Solskjaer after West Brom sack Bilic

Manchester: Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he sympathised with Slaven Bilic after the Croatian was sacked by West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday and stressed on the need for clubs to think about long-term continuity rather than instant results.

Bilic helped West Brom gain promotion to the Premier League but was sacked after a dismal start to the season left them second-bottom with one win in 13 games.

Solskjaer is also under scrutiny after his side were knocked out in the Champions League group stages last week.

“I think these times in a pandemic and what’s happened has made everyone sit back and think ... I’m very sad to hear Slaven has lost his job. He did a great job getting them promotion,” Solskjaer said. “I’ve known him for years and I’m sure he’ll get a job again. Hopefully more and more clubs will think long term. It’s a short term business and you need short term results, but everyone knows that continuity is the key to success and sometimes they don’t have the patience for it.”

The spotlight is also firmly on Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder, with the Blades bottom of the league on one point from 12 games ahead of Manchester United’s visit on Thursday.

“It’s not a nice position to be in as a manager, you want your players to be playing with confidence, thinking and believing they can win the game,” Solskjaer added. “At Cardiff (City), it was a new experience, a learning experience and a valuable one. I didn’t enjoy it, with the results and relegation we got, but as a manager you’re one of very few if you’re not going to feel the pressure at one point.

“I felt it and Chris, Slaven whoever feels that pressure are mentally strong enough, because you have to be.”

Solskjaer said striker Edinson Cavani was a doubt for the trip while injured fringe players Phil Jones (knee) and Marcos Rojo (calf) should be ready next month.

Fixtures

Thursday
Aston Villa v Burnley, 10pm
Sheffield United v Manchester United, midnight