Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finds himself under increasing pressure after his side were on the end of yet another disappointing defeat at the weekend.
The MEN understand United will stick by Solskjaer despite a run of just two wins from seven games, with club chiefs hoping the Norwegian tactician can help his side turn a corner.
With clashes against the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City, Chelsea and Atalanta to come, there's every chance United could be dumped out of the Champions League as well as effectively being out of the Premier League title race if performances don't improve.
In the latest MEN Facebook Live, United on my Mind duo Omar Garrick and Anil Kandola discussed all things United, including what the future may hold for both the club and the manager.
OG : “Solskjaer’s done so well up to this point but everything this season has gone wrong. I’ll always back Solskjaer until the end, he deserves support and I’d at least give him until these tough run of fixtures [is over], but if things don’t improve it could spark the club into change.”
AK : “It would’ve been a dream for Solskjaer to come in and win a major trophy because it would’ve allowed United fans to go back to the golden era of Sir Alex Ferguson. It would’ve been a romantic story but we have to look at this without emotion.
“It may improve in the coming games but in terms of longevity, I cannot see it improving to the extent we need it to. I think it’s time for Solskjaer to move on but I do think he should be given the next few games because it allows everyone the chance to feel unanimous on their thoughts on him.
“Last season his results against the big teams were poor but as a whole, since his career as United manager began his results in the big games have been generally positive. So it’ll leave little room for argument in favour of Solskjaer if he doesn’t pick up some results in these big games.
“This is what he’s thrived on - just when you felt the doubts creep in he pulls it out the bag. We have to assess the results this season, they haven’t been anywhere near up to the standard we’ve wanted them to be.
OG : “Solskjaer does pull it out for the big games but it’s a difficult one. If United lose against Liverpool they’ll be seven points off them. I do think if we lost against Spurs that could be the final nail in the coffin for me.
“Even if we lost to Atalanta that’ll leave United in a very poor position in the Champions League. You cannot have a situation where United exit in the group stage again and we show no progression. That will be the cut-off point for many I believe.
“This is a crucial week for Solskjaer and if he does lose any of these games then I think there will be too much pressure for him to handle. We know the club will back him but if fan pressure builds then it may be game over.
“Fans, regardless of what you may think, are still the life and soul of the football club. I even spoke to match-going fans disappointed in Solskjaer and I think if we lose these next run of games it could look very bad for the Manchester United manager.”
Do you think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the right man for United? Follow our United On My Mind writers Omar Garrick and Anil Kandola on Twitter and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
