The pressure continues to mount on Solskjaer, but his job is reportedly safe for now.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is facing a “revolt” from some within the Manchester United squad, according to reports. The Norwegian, however, is expected to be in charge for the club’s next game, with the United hierarchy reportedly reluctant to remove him from his position.
Solskjaer has come under intense pressure and scrutiny following another humiliating defeat to a rival club.
Two weeks ago, the Red Devils lost 5-0 to Liverpool. On Saturday, in their first game at home since that loss, Manchester City beat Solskjaer’s side 2-0, but the scoreline didn’t accurately reflect the gulf in class between the two teams.
Solskjaer reportedly faces ‘revolt’ from Man United squad.
According to Chris Wheeler writing in The Daily Mail, Solskjaer faces a “revolt” from some within the Man United squad after their latest poor result.
Bruno Fernandes is understood to be one of several senior players who feel they are “not getting enough direction” from the United manager and his coaching staff.
Some within the Man United dressing room reportedly believe that Solskjaer shows “favouritism” towards some players and that he is “too soft” with the squad.
The treatment of Donny van de Beek is also said to be a concern. The Dutch midfielder, signed from Ajax in the summer of 2020 for £40m, has barely featured for the Red Devils.
Van de Beek’s teammates reportedly find it difficult to understand why Solskjaer has not given him more of a chance.
According to The Daily Mail, Solskjaer’s decision to bring on Marcus Rashford in the second half of the defeat against Man City “mystified” some members of the United squad.
Rashford reportedly had not trained with the squad for the two days prior to the match, as he had flu symptoms.
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, is said to be “shocked” by how far standards have dropped at Old Trafford in the 12 years since he last played for the club.
Man United reportedly have no plans to replace Solskjaer.
Yet, despite the team’s terrible form and reported doubts amongst players, the Man United hierarchy have no intention of replacing their under-fire manager, according to David Ornstein, writing in The Athletic.
It is understood that the club’s decision-makers would like to wait until next summer before making a change, and are “reluctant” to remove Solskjaer while the team is “still in contention to qualify” for next season’s Champions League.
They also feel there are no viable options currently available. The final decision on Solskjaer rests with Joel Glazer, the club’s co-chairman.