John Barnes says Arsenal will not make same Man United mistake with Freddie Ljungberg

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John Barnes has told BeIN Sports that he does not believe Arsenal will hire Freddie Ljungberg on a permanent basis, and make the same “mistake” as Manchester United did by hiring Ole Gunnar Solskjaer permanently.

Solskjaer first joined Manchester United on a temporary basis following the sacking of Jose Mourinho and he hit thr ground running. His excellent start even saw United beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League knockout rounds.

The Norwegian was hired on a permanent basis by United and he has since gone downhill. United currently sit in ninth place, having won just four of their 14 Premier League matches. Ljungberg, meanwhile, took charge of his first Gunners game.

The Swede has taken over as manager while Arsenal look to appoint a new manager but is certainly in the frame for the job, given his Gunners connections. A solid stint as caretaker will help, but Barnes does not believe Arsenal will offer him the role.

“Manchester United did it with Ole, he kept the job,” Barnes said. ” Will they do that with Freddie if he does well between now and the end of the season? I don’t think they will make that mistake. But I think he’ll be there until the end of the season.

“No team should hire a temporary manager and make it permanent. United did a mistake, they based it on just eight games. I do not think they have gave him the interim role, before thinking he would get the job after eight to 10 games.”

TBR’s view – Arsenal need a manager who can shore up leaky defence

Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Norwich City proved just that. The Gunners defence is full of holes and gaps, a point which Martin Keown made clear on Match of the Day 2. Arsenal desperately need a manager who change that.

Former Juve gaffer Max Allegri would be an excellent appointment in that sense, as he would get the Gunners defence right and stop them from conceding chances and goals so easily. Ljungberg, meanwhile, is too inexperienced.