90min

Man Utd Insist They Are Standing by Under Fire Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

By Jamie Spencer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come under fresh pressure at Man Utd
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come under fresh pressure at Man Utd / OLI SCARFF/Getty Images
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Manchester United insist they are standing by under pressure manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, despite keeping former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino at the other end of the phone.

Solskjaer has overseen a downturn in results and performances since a promising end to last season resulted in a surge to third place in the Premier League. United have won just twice in the league so far in 2020/21 and were second best in the Champions League against Istanbul Basaksehir this week, even though the competition has so far offered respite from domestic struggles.

Man Utd were way off the pace aganist Istanbul Basaksehir
Man Utd were way off the pace aganist Istanbul Basaksehir / Burak Kara/Getty Images

90min understands that lines of communication with Pochettino have never closed, while it emerged on Thursday that fresh contact with the Argentine’s representatives had been made, even though his camp were surprised by some of the subsequent stories that over-egged it.

Pochettino’s representatives have otherwise refused to comment on the situation, respecting that there is already a manager in place. According to the Independent, former Juventus coach Max Allegri is also interested in the job.

International breaks, particularly those in the first half of the season, are seen by many as an opportunity to make managerial changes because of the precious extra time it gives the new boss to get his bearings while there is a brief lull in club games.

Man Utd have never closed communication with Mauricio Pochettino
Man Utd have never closed communication with Mauricio Pochettino / IAN KINGTON/Getty Images

Yet despite United’s long-standing interest in Pochettino, Solskjaer appears to remain safe for now and the club have responded to the latest updates by backing the Norwegian.

The Athletic report that Solskjaer will still be in a job on Saturday evening regardless of whether United win, lose or draw against Everton at Goodison Park. It is said that club officials appreciate what the Old Trafford legend achieved last season and deserves time to fix things.

Even a bad result in a tough fixture against Everton may not change that.

Man Utd players are happy they have improved under Ole
Man Utd players are happy they have improved under Ole / Pool/Getty Images

It is also suggested that he retains support from the dressing room, with a number of players said to be pleased over their individual improvement under his guidance.

Sky Sports add that United still view Solskjaer as a ‘long-term project’ who should be supported.

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