Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists he is still the right man to take Manchester United back to the top – despite their dramatic slump in form.
United's humiliating 4-0 defeat at Everton was their fourth loss in their last eight games, with champions Manchester City up next for Solskjaer's men at Old Trafford tomorrow.
Solskjaer admitted he and his players were still “really hurt” by the embarrassing defeat at Goodison Park, but claimed he still has what it takes to restore the glory days at United.
Asked if he was the right man to oversee the rebuild, a month after being handed the United job on a permanent basis, Solskjaer said: “Well I would like to say yes, but it's not down to me to say that.
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“I'm confident in my team and myself to take this challenge on. It's a big challenge and when I came in here I said I'm going to enjoy every single second.
“I don't like losing, but it's a challenge when you go through bad results, this is the way we're gonna do it and plan ahead.
“I like all these boys, I love them, but I've got to manage for the club. I'm managing the club and the players and I've got to put all my effort into making sure we do what is right for the club.”
Solskjaer revealed he and his squad held a clear-the-air meeting in the wake of the Everton defeat and warned his players they must be ready for City to be in their faces tomorrow night.
“We had a meeting after the game and all the players were definitely, definitely disappointed but also really, really hurt by that performance,” said Solskjaer.
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“The City game is the perfect one, there's no hiding place on the pitch and the fans will back you if you give that effort.
“We've got to be ready for the press, for their pressing, so we've got to defend well, got to be ready for their aggression.
“They will snap at your heels and kick you, there will be fouls, absolutely no doubt about it, and when you watch those games they commit so many players forward.”
United are currently sixth, three points off fourth spot, with Solskjaer claiming their only focus must now be to look forward, not back.
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“That's the point - how do we go forward?” said Solskjaer. “That's what we've got to focus on. Have to look back and reflect on what happened.
“The Everton game was one of two really bad games since I came here. That and Wolves , those are the two we were nowhere near the standard we have set.
“We have to bounce back and look forward to two great games, City and Chelsea . This is the main focus, we're up against one of the best teams in the country, it's a local derby, we've got to be ready.
“We've been here now for about four months and it's been a great four months, learning all the time.
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“It's about planning forward, how do we get back to where Manchester United want to be, the identity standards, professionalism we've set.
“Games like the Everton one happens and the response has to be there. You have to try and provoke or inspire a reaction.
“These players know they let themselves down as individual, as a team, but it's about me as well.
“I'm in charge and I'm the one giving instructions how we're gonna play and it's my duty to get them performing better than that and I'm sure we'll get a response.”
