KEY POINTS

  • Gary Neville wants Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to take the "next step" for Manchester United
  • Solskjaer led United to a final four finish in their last campaign in the Premier League
  • Donny van de Beek began his training with Man United on Wednesday

Manchester United legend Gary Neville thinks it’s time for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to get over the hump and bring the glory back at Old Trafford.

“A trophy and breaking that top two have to be the next step,” Neville said, via Goal, in reference to Solskjaer’s still trophy-less campaign since taking the helm at United in 2018.

“I think this year he has to look to break that top two and that’s going to be difficult."

Solskjaer looks right on target on achieving the “next step” as suggested by Neville. If anything, the Norwegian manager led the Red Devils to a top-four finish in the Premier League last season before guiding the club all to the way to the semifinals of the Europa League in August.

These signs all but suggest that United is drawing closer to the promised land. But Neville, who played his entire 19-year career at Old Trafford, says a coveted trophy won’t fall on the lap of his former club, adding that the management must offer their full support to Solskjaer in order to reach their desired destination.

“He needs more players and support from the board to do that,” the former right-back said.

“If United don’t sign any players it won't be down to the manager that they haven’t broken into that top two.

“There isn’t anybody in the world with that squad that would break that top two at this moment in time and maybe even struggles to compete with Chelsea with the way they’ve strengthened.

“So this is the moment that Ole, yes he had a difficult start to last season, but I think with what he’s done he deserves that backing that the other managers in the last ten years have been afforded."

Man United could be doing just so, starting from the transfer move that landed them playmaker Donny van de Beek early this month from Ajax for nearly $52 million.

The 23-year-old had his first training session with the club on Wednesday at the Aon Training Complex where he appeared to be having a good time as evinced by his photos with Solskjaer and captain Harry Maguire.

The transfer window has begun rolling for United but it’s still a long way to go, per Neville, who believes the club would need four to five players as a minimum before achieving its full strength.

Job done: Manchester United's comfortable win at Tranmere was a welcome relief for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Job done: Manchester United's comfortable win at Tranmere was a welcome relief for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer AFP / Paul ELLIS