So much for Solskjaer leaving United in a better state than he did when he was appointed manager. He is still largely to blame for the issues with the squad.
I don't know if Ole really is to blame for the issues, I don't think the board ever backed him in transfers, for one. When we needed 3 or 4 players we brought in Sancho and Maguire, getting badly burned in both deals. VDB, as has been stated, was not Ole's choice. Ronaldo arriving has upset whatever harmony existed in the squad, whether by timing or attitude or structure, but it's clear Ronaldo has changed whatever fragile peace Ole had been able to secure.
I hated Jose and never wanted him here, I hated what he was doing to the club, and I hated the type of person he is (not just the outdated manager), so I was glad he got the sack. Ole's first 14 games were a beautiful honeymoon. I said at the time that this squad is not going to be champions with this manager and one of the two had to change (and also that Fred is never going to part of a title-winning side). We have largely the same squad and a better manager, but our glaring deficiencies were there before Ole. Our midfield has been woeful for years now, as even Fred and McTominay fans will admit. In a proper United side, neither get a look in, but for some reason we rely on them, and today, a 40 minute Matic.
Ole should have stood up to the board when he had the chance, he should have realized being agreeable and quiet would only end one way. The reality of the modern game is squads need constant refreshing with new players every window. Bringing in stopgaps like Cavani and Ronaldo, or even Telles, are not part of any sensible (or sustainable) strategy. The idea seemed to be that in a year or two's time, Rashford and Greenwood would benefit from watching the older players and would develop into a world class strike force. We've seen Rashford completely fall away and many now doubt if he should even be near the first team. I think Ole addressed the mentality and the attitude rot that had taken hold under Jose, but the coaching staff and the board and a lack of DoF are still holding us back.
Sorry for the long essay. I think Ole was a stopgap manager and helped stabilize a sinking ship. The board should have acted quicker in bringing in a world class manager and world class players, which is what we want, right? The board shows no intention of doing either.