Sayan Chatterjee
Solskjaer comes under fire for denying Manchester United title talks
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has criticised Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for claiming that the Red Devils should not have been considered as title contenders heading into the season.
The Norwegian played down talks of United challenging for the Premier League crown after his side’s disappointing 3-3 draw against Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday night. Solskjaer told Sky Sports (h/t Daily Mail):
“We’re not talking about winning titles, we’ve come a long way this team, and we shouldn’t have been considered as title contenders. We’ve got to be better as a team and see where we end up.”
However, Solskjaer’s claims didn’t go down too well with Redknapp, who believes the manager should try and instil a sense of self-belief among his players.
The pundit also feels that the dwindling form of some of the other sides amid the unprecedented challenges presented by the pandemic makes United strong contenders to end their title drought. Redknapp said (Sky Sports h/t Daily Mail):
“They should be (aiming for the title), this is a unique year, you’re not gonna have a better chance. Liverpool have lost players.
“Going forward this United team should be believing. This is the year anything is possible. They’re not kids, are they? They’re full of experience. He should be telling this team to believe you can do it.
United’s title hopes suffered a major blow after the Red Devils were held to a 3-3 draw by Everton in what was a thrilling encounter at the weekend.
Solskjaer’s side let a two-goal lead slip early in the second half and conceded a late equaliser in stoppage time to lose valuable ground on Man City atop the standings.
However, that’s certainly not the end of United’s title challenge. The Red Devils have a couple of relatively straightforward fixtures coming up against Newcastle and West Brom to get their campaign back on track heading into crucial games against Man City and Chelsea.
United secured an impressive 3rd-place finish in the Premier League last season and have spent a lot of money over the past 18 months.
The likes of Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Bruno Fernandes, Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani have all come through the door as marquee signings.
With the club finally heading in the right direction, United have got to believe they can beat the likes of Liverpool and City to the crown this season.
