When Manchester United fans' anti-Glazer protests were at their heaviest last season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer found himself in a difficult situation.
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As rumours of possible protests outside Old Trafford circulated ahead of United's scheduled home game against Liverpool, Solskjaer hit all the right notes when he defended supporters' right to protest peacefully.
However, Solskjaer could not support the violent elements of the protests that took place near Old Trafford and United's team hotel on the day of the (scheduled) Liverpool game.
Some fans believed, and continue to believe, that the Norwegian was defending the Glazer family when he criticized how the protests were handled. Some accused him of defending the unpopular American owners.
Nonetheless, all of the manager's public comments about the upcoming summer transfer window and the need for United to strengthen their squad would suggest he is putting his own form of pressure on the owners.
After United's agonizing Europa League final defeat to Villarreal, Solskjaer boldly declared his intention to sign three first-team players this summer. His desire to improve on a promising but far from perfect season at Old Trafford was clear to all. He is not content with mediocrity or resting on his laurels.
"We're here now, we need to do better, we need to work better, harder, and smarter," he said. But, as I previously stated, two or three players to strengthen the starting XI and the squad as a whole are critical for us to go even further.
Solskjaer will no doubt recall the summer of 2018, when United were in a similar position under Jose Mourinho, but allowed themselves to drift and fall back after finishing second in the Premier League.
It was widely reported that Mourinho wanted to sign a center-back this summer, despite United's interest in Harry Maguire, Diego Godin, and Toby Alderweireld. However, because Ed Woodward and the Glazers refused to release funds, United spent less than £70 million on just two players (Fred and Diogo Dalot) and had a disastrous start to the 2018/19 season. By Christmas, Mourinho was riding his bike. United came in sixth place.
So it's no surprise that Solskjaer is upping the ante, stating his desire for United to conduct the best possible transfer business this summer.
In a recent interview with Norwegian media this week, he reiterated his message to the Glazers.
"We want the best players here, and the club understands what I want," Solskjaer said. "I'm not sure how the conversation goes, but if we want to compete for the best trophies, we need the best players."
It's no secret that Solskjaer wanted Jadon Sancho last summer, and with United renewing their interest in the Borussia Dortmund right-winger after failing miserably to sign him a year ago, they can't afford to miss out again.
Solskjaer also wants a centre-back to partner Harry Maguire, which is eerily similar to the situation that tripped up Mourinho three years ago.
He's doing everything he can to avoid making the same mistakes at Old Trafford.
With United fans continuing to put pressure on the Glazers, most recently questioning co-chairman Joel Glazer at a fruitful fans' forum meeting, this summer should be different from 2018. Only time will tell. However, if history repeats itself, Solskjaer may be the unlucky fall guy.
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