‘We’ve been through this before’ - Solskjaer on why he believes Man United can reverse poor form

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in a defiant mood on Tuesday afternoon, as he spoke to the press ahead of Manchester United’s Champions League group game against Atalanta.

A run of one win in the last five in all competitions has amplified the pressure on the Red Devils manager, as did Saturday’s terrible showing against Leicester City, which resulted in a 4-2 loss.

But Solskjaer, who is used to overcoming sticky patches in the Old Trafford hotseat, is confident he and his side can once again turn things around, and reiterated his stance that the club have steadily improved during his three-year term as United boss.

“We’ve progressed over the years,” he said via video link. “Sixth when I was here for a half a season [in 2018/19]. Then third and second; you can see the progress, improvement and development.

“This season we still want to improve. Yeah, we’ve signed some players who have raised expectations. Other teams have signed players and have improved as well. We’re in the same boat as the other top teams that there is pressure, there is pressure all the time on me, of course.

“But we’ve been through this before and we’ve come through this as stronger as individuals and as a team. I’m just looking forward to the response now and, as you said, I’m in dialogue with the club all the time. That’s an open and honest conversation all the time.”

No concern for Neville & Carragher’s views

Solskjaer’s future was one of the topics heavily discussed on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football by Gary Neville and Jamie Carrgher.

While the Norwegian’s ex-team-mate refused to suggest he should be replaced as United manager, Carragher was less supportive of Solskjaer and opined the Red Devils would never win the Premier League or Champions League while he was at the helm.

However, the former Cardiff City manager insisted he takes no interest in the opinions of either pundit and believes Carragher’s views may be influenced by United’s upcoming encounter with Liverpool on Sunday.

“No I didn’t [watch it]. I prefer not to watch them to be honest,” he responded. “[The criticism] doesn’t affect me and sometimes you see those comments once in a while.

“I didn’t know what he was saying now. Of course, we have Liverpool on Sunday so Jamie is always looking at all these little things.

“I have got my values, I have got my way of managing and I believe in myself. As long as the club believe in me, I’m pretty sure Jamie Carragher’s opinion is not going to change that,” he added.