Journalist Fabrizio Romano believes Manchester United’s doubleheader against Atalanta in the Champions League may influence the board’s decision on the future of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian is under pressure after the weekend defeat to Leicester but, while Romano claims that the Red Devils boss still has the full backing of the club’s board, their opinion may change if results, specifically in Europe, don’t improve:
“Of course, at Manchester United, the board are disappointed at what they saw in the match against Leicester. They are expecting something different in the Champions League in the key double game that is coming against Atalanta in the crucial part of the Champions League group. But, about the manager, they are still with Solskjaer. They want Solskjaer to change this situation. But if the situation will collapse and Man United will keep going not at top level, then the situation could change.”
“So, as of now, they are protecting the manager … but if Manchester United are not changing their results the situation could change in a few months. Of course, the Champions League clash with Atalanta is so important to understand what is going to happen to Man United;s approach to games, because it’s a brilliant [chance] to show that they’re changing their mentality.”
United won their second group match versus Villarreal after their shock opening defeat to Young Boys, but Atalanta do top the table and the Serie A club will make life difficult for Solskjaer’s side.
If they fail to get the required results in the two fixtures, the Red Devils would be in danger of missing out on the knockout stages of the Champions League for the second season in a row. Considering the squad that has been assembled, that would be unacceptable and could determine whether Solskjaer stays in his job.
