



There is a reason why those with understanding of the modern Manchester United believe Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a tougher job on his hands than Jose Mourinho, Louis Van Gaal or David Moyes. Not only does he have a squad that requires surgery, but behind-the-scenes there have been even rudimentary problems to fix.



Take, for instance, the canteen at Carrington. When Solskjaer was appointed, the buffet service fed both players and staff, some 160 people. It provided a community feel, but had priorities skewed. Food would be ready and available for staff from midday but the footballers might not show up until 2pm after training. Essential fuel post-workout could be left under a lamp.



“The most important employees who need feeding are the athletes,” a source told The Athletic. “If you take it to the nth degree stuff such as spinach can lose nutrients over time. Without meaning to sound harsh, the accountant could bring in...