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Manchester United Told To Replace ‘Substandard’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer With Antonio Conte

Manchester United Told To Replace ‘Substandard’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer With Antonio Conte

Europa League final defeat to Villarreal branded a "disaster" for Man United boss.

Alex Reid

Alex Reid

Manchester United have been told that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is "not up to standard" and they should replace him with former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.

Solskjaer has faced criticism after Man United lost the Europa League final to Villarreal on Wednesday night, succumbing after a remarkable penalty shootout involving all 22 players.

The defeat was branded a "disaster" result and United need to get in a genuine, elite-level coach according to ex-Chelsea defender Jason Cundy. The talkSPORT host was also quick to point out that Conte is available, having surprisingly parted company with Inter Milan this week, despite winning the Serie A title.

After United drew 1-1 in Gdansk before losing the shootout, Cundy said on talkSPORT of the outcome: "There's nothing positive, it was a disaster, this is a disaster for Ole.

"This was his big moment to prove everyone including me wrong, and he's proved me right.

"That display was enough, I've seen enough there to move in a different direction. I don't see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the man for Manchester United.

"Ole is held in such high regard, he's a lovely guy and he's well liked, he doesn't seem like a bad person at all - but this is a ruthless industry.

"Going into next season there is a perfect break now, this is the perfect time. It's hard to hear, but the truth is he is not up to Man United's standard, he's simply not."

Cundy's belief in Manchester United's urgent need for a change is also based on a top-quality candidate suddenly becoming available.

Conte's departure from Inter Milan was reportedly due to a disagreement with the owners over player sales. The 51-year-old has won league titles with three different clubs (Juventus, Chelsea and now Inter).

"Antonio Conte, he's won the Premier League and he's just won the Serie A title, he knows how to win titles and he is a ruthless manager, he knows how to get a tune out of a team," said Cundy. "We're talking about a seriously experienced man.

"Look, I'd prefer it if you didn't [given his Chelsea past] but right now when I heard the news today [of Conte's departure] and I see that result - go and get him!"

The former Chelsea player went on to criticise Solskjaer's lack of substitutions during the 90 minutes of the Europa League final and claimed that Unai Emery had out-coached the United boss.

"This game was enormous for Ole... but he didn't make a sub until extra time," he said.

"Villarreal made five subs and in extra time, you sensed there was a change, you sensed there was a bit of a freshness about them.

"He changed half his outfield team, Emery, and you could see it in extra time that United were treading water. They weren't even close.

"Ole let Villarreal seize the initiative at that moment. Emery did a number on him, tactically. The game we saw was the game Unai Emery wanted us to see."

All imagery: PA Images

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Topics: Europa League, Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Antonio Conte