Skip to content

Report: United still backing Solskjaer after defeat to Burnley

PAUL ELLIS / AFP / Getty

Manchester United have no intention of firing manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer despite a despondent loss to Burnley on Wednesday that has pushed supporters to the brink, according to The Guardian's Jamie Jackson.

The club reportedly gave Solskjaer - who's now lost more Premier League games than he's won since being hired on a permanent basis - its express backing following the 2-0 defeat to the Clarets, allotting him more time to turn the situation around. Fans bolted for the exits as United produced another humiliating performance, while the ones who remained directed much of their anger toward chairman Ed Woodward.

United currently sit fifth in the league with 34 points, their lowest return after 24 matches since the 1989-90 season. Solskjaer said he's "disillusioned" with the current run of form but promised to stick to "our values and beliefs."

The Red Devils have failed to score in both matches that Marcus Rashford has missed so far. Rashford was rushed back to action during United's FA Cup replay against Wolves and then diagnosed with a stress fracture in his back. He's expected to miss a couple of months, leaving Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood as the club's only strikers for a crucial stretch of the season.

Solskjaer believes the squad has reached its limit after playing 17 matches in 52 days.

"These players are stretched, and I've got no complaints on any of them - they give everything they've got," the manager said. "Some of the players have played more than they should have. More mentally rather than physically, they need a midseason break."

There's just over a week remaining in the transfer window for United to relieve the strain. They're reportedly in talks to sign Sporting CP midfielder Bruno Fernandes, but the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, is uncertain a deal can be completed in January. Sporting are apparently demanding €80 million for the Portuguese international, but United continue to stand firm with an offer of €60 million.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox