Cristiano Ronaldo started the season on fire, bailing out the Red Devils on several occasions, but it turns out that wasn’t sustainable as Man United have dropped out of the top four spots
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Solskjaer takes responsibility for Maguire selection in defeat
Gary Neville reckons Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would admit privately that he would rather manage last season’s Manchester United squad.
The forward made the sensational return to Old Trafford this summer as United’s title credentials looked to be legitimate.
Ronaldo started the season on fire bailing out the Red Devils on several occasions, but it turns out that wasn’t sustainable as Man Utd have dropped out of the top four.
It’s three games without a win in the Premier League after the 4-2 defeat to Leicester and for whatever reason Solskjaer isn’t getting the best out of this star-studded side.
The defence is conceding chances and goals all over the shop and is being severely exposed by a midfield that can’t seem to find the right balance.
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Was it a mistake for Manchester United to sign Cristiano Ronaldo? Comment below
For what Ronaldo brings at the top end of the pitch, which is a lot, he needs the right pieces around him so that his weaknesses, like his lack of pressing, are covered up.
But there’s also the off-the-field baggage that Ronaldo brings with him. He is a big name that demands respect no matter what dressing room he walks into and his teammates need to adapt to that.
And that’s something Neville feels Solskjaer hasn’t got a handle on yet as he claims that the United boss would rather coach last season’s squad on the basis that they are easier to manage.
He told Monday Night Football on Sky Sports: “I thought that last season’s there was something building. I think if you asked him privately ‘Would like last season’s squad back?’ I think he probably would go back.
“They have got six grenades where the pins have been pulled out in the dressing room.
“It can work, I’ve seen Del Bosque manage a Real Madrid team to the Champions League, Zidane has done it with great players, I think PSG are like that at the moment. You see Pochettino there and you think it’s not really a Pochettino team.
“Ole’s got a bit of that now. He has Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba and Harry Maguire.
“Massive characters in the dressing room, Maguire will look at Varane in the dressing room and think am I not the top dog anymore?
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“You have the dynamic of Cavani sitting on the bench who was begged to stay but now has Ronaldo, Rashford and Greenwood in front of him.
“Sancho has come in for £75m and now he is looking like he is in and out.
“All these issues are developing, Solskjaer has to somehow bring that group together.
“He’s got to find a basic defensive shape that the players buy into and allow the others to go win the games for him. It’s the only way for him to get the season back on track.”
