We are looking like a Man United squad – ton-up Solskjaer hopes dark days are over

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned Manchester United there must be no repeat of the debacle against Tottenham when old foes Arsenal visit Old Trafford on Sunday.

The transformation in United from the start of the month to their current state appears to have been remarkable, with the 6-1 home loss to Spurs preceding impressive wins over Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig, plus a draw with Chelsea.

That thumping by Jose Mourinho’s side was also followed by United dipping into the transfer market and bringing Edinson Cavani, Alex Telles and Facundo Pellistri to the club, leaving Solskjaer delighted with the depth of his squad.

After being humiliated by one team from north London at the start of October, Solskjaer is confident United can begin November on the front foot against Spurs’ great rivals.

It will be his 100th match at the helm – a landmark many doubted that Solskjaer would reach – and he is determined to mark the century with victory over the club who for many years wrestled with United for Premier League supremacy.

Asked about United’s impressive reaction to the Tottenham defeat, Solskjaer said: “I think any result as brutal as a 6-1 would have to get a response and of course it has been dealt with internally.

“We’ve tweaked a couple of things and we’ve got players fit. I think the manner of the defeat shouldn’t be something we ever have to be confronted with again.

“Then again, things happen in football these days. But the response has been fantastic and that’s what I’m concerned about.

Ole on approaching 100 games as #MUFC manager: “It’s gone really quick even though a lot has happened.

“[Facing] Arsenal is always going to be difficult because they have a great team and manager. Let’s hope I can celebrate it with a win.”#MUNARS pic.twitter.com/OVRiyQEKo2

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 30, 2020

“At the moment we are looking like a Man United squad. I’ve got competition for places.

“Any successful team in the modern era of football has had that option – to rest players and to rotate and that’s probably the only way you can last in this most intense league in the world, for me, and also with the Champions League involved.”

Solskjaer joined United in December 2018, initially in a caretaker role, and he is coming up to a two-year anniversary.

There have been plenty of bumps in the road, but the Norwegian is hoping for a smooth ride this weekend as his game total ticks over into three figures.

“I’m surprised it’s 100,” he said. “It’s gone very quickly, even though a lot has happened.

“Let’s hope I can celebrate number 100 with a good performance and a result. I’m enjoying it so far.”

United are unbeaten in their last 13 home Premier League games against Arsenal (W8 D5) since a 1-0 loss in September 2006.

But they have yet to win at home in the league this season, drawing once and losing to Tottenham and Crystal Palace.

Two away wins have steadied them, and the European results have caught the eye.

There is a long way to go before they can seriously begin eyeing silverware, but the manager senses a sliver of an opportunity.

He said: “So many clubs have developed strength in depth and the ability to challenge for trophies.

“Even though in the last two seasons you’ve had two teams running away with it, this season a lot of us just underneath them would hope to put up a challenge.”