Both the Arsenal and Manchester United managers have a lot at riding on Friday evenings game. The Gunners host the Red Devils in the 4th round of the FA Cup.
I had to lie to my girlfriend as say I had some important career-defining work I had to complete tonight because Fridays are date nights (Let’s hope she doesn’t read this).
My dishonesty aside, this evening’s game is an important one. It’s an important game for the supporters, it’s an important game for the players, and it’s an especially important game for the managers.
Each manager has something at stake. Unai Emery wants to win a cup in his maiden season to give the Arsenal supporters faith he is the right man to lead them forward. Interim manager Ole Gunner Solkjaer wants a trophy to be considered for the full-time gig.
Unai Emery
Job security isn’t something Emery is worried about. He was brought in at the beginning of this season to replace Arsene Wenger. This season is meant to be a campaign where he finds his feet. Unai Emery’s Arsenal lost their first two games – badly. But soon after, they went on a 22 game unbeaten run, winning 17 of those fixtures. Was this the second coming of the old Arsenal (2001-2005)?
Their good form began to dip after they suffered their first loss to Southampton to break the streak. For the next nine games, Arsenal lost four, drew one, and won four. This was reminiscent of the same old Arsenal (2005 – till now).
Related
Can Jose Mourinho save Real Madrid’s season?
Arsenal have had an above-average season. They are 5th in the league, 3 points behind 4th placed Chelsea after beating them last week. They are still in the Europa League and the FA Cup.
A trophy they are most likely to win is the FA Cup but, a resurgent Manchester United awaits. Unai Emery was mandated to qualify for the UEFA Champions League and win at least one trophy if he could. It’s possible he may achieve both but a loss against Manchester United will dent his chances.
Related
Escape from Wembley: David De Gea saves Manchester United
Ole Gunnar Solkjaer
Since Ole Gunnar Solskjær replaced Mourinho just before Christmas. The Red Devils have won all his first seven games as a caretaker manager across all competitions.
Manchester United Legend Gary Neville told Sky Sports he thinks Ole Gunnar Solskjær is in prime position to get the full-time managerial job.
“It’s got to be [decided on a game-by-game basis]. He’s got the best seat in the house because he’s in charge of his own destiny at this moment in time.
“They named him as interim manager and you’ve got to grab opportunities in life and Ole is the type that will do that. I remember when he was a player, Sir Alex [Ferguson] used to put him on for one or two minutes and he would score a goal because he always grabbed an opportunity.
An FA Cup trophy would go a long way in convincing the powers that be he deserves the job. Matter of fact, it would look crazy for the board to let a guy who has won a cup go for a person who might not do the same.