The patience seems to be wearing thin for under-fire Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as his team is failingto deliver results in the 2021-22 season. In the wake of another disappointing loss, this time to crosstown rivals Manchester City, the Norwegian’s job continues to be seriously questioned.
Following a great transfer window in which the Red Devils spent more than $180 millionlanding the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, and Jadon Sancho, the expectations were high for a team that has been lacking true success since Sir Alex Ferguson‘s era.
However, United have already suffereda number of embarrassing performances early in the campaign, losing by five to lifelong rivals Liverpool, falling to defeat in other Premier League affairs, while struggling at the beginning of the UEFA Champions League. Therefore, it should be no surprise that after another dismal result questions are also raised in the locker room.
Ronaldo, Fernandes reportedly among Man United players frustrated with team’s struggles under Solskjaer
Solskjaer has been in the hot seat over the last few weeks since his team has struggled to perform as expected while dropping points in shameful fashion. Not even their 3-0 win over Tottenham restored peace for long as City exposed United’s weaknesses in an embarrassing derby defeat.
According to the Daily Mail, the situation has the Red Devils’ players concerned and belief in Solskjaer may have decreased after Sunday’s loss. The report claims that Bruno Fernandes is among a group of players who are growing frustrated as theyfeelthe team doesn’thave a clear direction from the Norwegian and his staff.
Meanwhile, it is also understood that Cristiano Ronaldo is quite shocked as he apparently feels the club’s standards have significantly dropped over the 12 years he was out of United.
Additionally, the locker room is also believed to be unhappy with Solskjaer’s judgement when it comes to the first team, as there’s concern that he has favoritism to pickcertain players over others. Marcus Rashford, for instance, has reportedly missed Thursday and Friday’s practices with flu but came off the bench on Sunday anyway, while Jesse Lingard was once again not given a chance.
The report adds that teammates feel Donny van de Beek has been mistreated by the Norwegian coach, who has barely given playing time to the former Ajax midfielder. Whether Solskjaer is able to turn things around remains to be seen. In the meantime, the international break couldbe useful for him to work with his sights set on bouncing back once club competition resumes.