Man Utd players reportedly sent text messages of support to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after their defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, while they asked Ed Woodward for clarity on their manager’s future.
Reports in the aftermath of the match indicated that the humiliating 5-0 defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s men was so bad that the Red Devils were lining up a replacement for Solskjaer, with Antonio Conte and Brendan Rodgers both linked.
Despite not going away entirely, it now seems that Solskjaer retains a lot of support at board level and will be given the next few games to prove that he can turn things around.
Manchester United still need to reach their Houllier stage
They must improve on their recent record of just three wins in their last nine matches in all competitions when they face Tottenham, Atalanta and Manchester City in their next three fixtures.
But ESPN claim that Man Utd boss Solskjaer ‘received messages of support from members of his squad’ when they heard reports that he could be sacked.
There are ‘a number of dissenting voices in the dressing room’ but it’s clear that ‘sections of the first team squad remain behind their manager’.
ESPN added:
‘A group of senior players sent text messages to both Solskjaer and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward on Monday to express their support, while admitting their own poor form has contributed to the club’s malaise. Sources added that some players felt in the dark over what was happening, and messaged Woodward asking about the manager’s position amid a lack of clarity this week following a raft of media speculation that Solskjaer would be sacked.
‘Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson and former chairman Martin Edwards were pictured arriving at the club’s Carrington training base on Monday, but sources told ESPN that the pre-planned visit was so they could get fitted for new club suits.
‘Solskjaer is set to remain in charge for Manchester United’s trip to Tottenham on Saturday, although sources told ESPN his future has not been guaranteed beyond that.
‘Woodward and group managing director Richard Arnold are satisfied Solskjaer has enough backing from within the squad to make a positive result at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a realistic possibility, despite the difficulties surrounding the club.’
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp reckons Conte would be a “great fit” if Man Utd were to sack Solskjaer.
Redknapp said: “Who do you get in? I think Antonio Conte would be a great fit because one or two of them need a kick up the backside. They need to know when they’re not doing well and that’s not the case right now.
“He’s going to sometimes upset players, make sure they’re on their toes… I’m not sure Ole has that personality. If you lose 5-0 at home, there isn’t a manager in the world who wouldn’t come under massive pressure.
“I can’t say I’ve ever been sold on Solskjaer as the United manager if I’m brutally honest. He’s done an OK job but we’re talking about Man Utd. You want the best person in charge of your club and I don’t think Ole is that man. I’ve got a load of respect for him but you want the best.
“United want to win titles but players have to respect the manager, and when you look at who he’s up against and how he got the job in the first place… you have to have the best and I don’t believe he’s the right man to take this club forward.”
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