Ole Gunnar Solskjaer backs himself to turn Man Utd's season around
By Sean Walsh
Under-fire Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes that he is still the man to lead the club and is confident he can arrest their current form.
United were thrashed 4-1 by Watford on Saturday after yet another embarrassing performance. Goals from Josh King and Ismaila Sarr saw the hosts race into a two-goal lead, before substitute Donny van de Beek - who has barely played under Solskjaer - pulled one back.
Club captain Harry Maguire received two bookings in the second half and Watford scored two late goals to cap off a horrible day for United, but Solskjaer has backed himself to get through this.
“I always have belief in myself. Yes, I believe we can turn this around. I feel for the fans. I feel the same as them. We’re embarrassed, losing the way we do. We are in a very bad run," he told a press conference.
"I need to get the players to perform better, that's my responsibility, that's the biggest thing now. They’re so disappointed, they’re working, they're trying to find their confidence back.
"Second half, I was very pleased with. Don’t get me wrong, the whole afternoon was so disappointing, so far away from our standards, but I have to say the attitude, the quality, the application until last 20 minutes, we played some very good football, created loads of chances.
"That shows the attitude of them. Donny and Anto [Martial] came on, disappointed as they should be but gave us quality."
Solskjaer was booed by a section of Man Utd fans at full time, with Bruno Fernandes defending the boss and insisting the players were to blame.
"I understand fans who follow the club through thick and thin, they've been fantastic the last few years. We've had a hard time since Sir Alex Ferguson left and fans who've been with us have been unbelievable, understood the situation," Solskjaer continued.
"The signings this summer raised expectations. Being second last season, we hoped to kick on. We can't seem to find our form. I understand that's their right to show their opinion. Bruno is such a passionate boy. He knows football can change quickly."