Manchester United’s hierarchy are concerned about the club’s inconsistency under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a bold report has claimed. The Norwegian has overseen a positive start to the season with his side sitting second in the table. But, despite that, it seems some worries exist behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
It was only a few weeks ago that they were being tipped to win the Premier League title.
But, since then, the Red Devils have dropped points against the likes of Sheffield United, Arsenal and Everton.
Ed Woodward will wait until the end of the season before talking with Solskjaer about a new contract, with the Norwegian’s current deal expiring next summer.
Yet he’s prepared to offer the 47-year-old a pay rise, with the former Molde and Cardiff manager in line to take his annual salary ‘to around £6million’ before bonuses.
One result that particularly concerned the hierarchy was their 3-2 Champions League defeat to RB Leipzig on December.
United had been in control of the group stages but ended up being dumped out, losing three of their six matches in the competition.
Solskjaer recently insisted he was unfazed over his future, saying: “We live in a results business and all I want is for Man United to improve as a team and as a club.
“I have very good dialogue with the club all of the time.
“You have to think long-term and short-term – and I would never ever think that this is my chance to prove a point and that it's all about me.
“That's not what it's about here. Every decision I make is for the good of Man United.
Manchester United are second in the Premier League table under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Image: GETTY)
“For me, it's about results and if we keep improving we have a very good opportunity because this team and this squad is going places.”
Woodward has vowed to back Solskjaer over coming transfer windows, saying earlier in the season: "What happens on the field is clearly our top priority, and while it's not the same without fans in the stadium, we've seen lots of highs since our last meeting in April, with that 14-game unbeaten run to finish third in last season's Premier League run and great wins against PSG and RB Leipzig on our return to the Champions League this season.
"Of course, we recognise there's more hard work ahead to achieve the consistency needed to win trophies.
“But we see positive signs on the pitch and the training ground that reinforce our belief in the progress being made by Ole, his coaching team and the players.
"I told this forum back in April that we remained committed to strengthening the squad, while being disciplined in our spending during the pandemic.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will oversee West Ham clash (Image: GETTY)
Trending
“I believe we've delivered on that, with the additions we made during the summer taking our total net spending to over €200m since summer 2019 - more than any other major European club over that period.
"We will continue to support Ole with a planned, long-term approach to recruitment, focused on the summer windows."
United are in action against West Ham on Tuesday night.
And they’ll be hoping to beat David Moyes’ side for a second time this season.