Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been warned that even Cristiano Ronaldo can't save him from the sack.
Having started the season in blistering fashion, Manchester United and the Norwegian manager have come under intense pressure in the aftermath of the heavy and humiliating 5-0 defeat to bitter rivals Liverpool.
Inspired by Ronaldo, the Old Trafford giants have responded to that alarming reverse with a 3-0 win at Tottenham, which they followed up by claiming a creditable 2-2 draw in Bergamo.
That point was handed to them courtesy of a double from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
However, as attentions now turn to the Manchester derby on Saturday afternoon, those trademark Ronaldo goals are merely delaying the inevitable - according to Liverpool great John Barnes.
United stood by their manager amid suggestions that Antonio Conte was prepared to replace him.
Fast forward to the present, though, and the Italian has stepped into the Tottenham dugout after the London side sacked Nuno Espirito Santo and, in turn, issued a genuine statement by appointing Conte as his successor.
Speaking as part of a promotion for Bonus Code Bets, ex-England international Barnes said: "Cristiano Ronaldo isn't keeping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Manchester United job, because his goals aren't going to win them the Premier League or the Champions League.
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"He's given them a bit of hope, but I don't think Ronaldo scoring goals will save Ole if they don't win matches.
"They really have to start performing consistently. Ronaldo won't keep Solskjaer in this job - nor will he get him the sack. The question mark against Ole is the inconsistency."
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