Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been told that his side’s Premier League title rivals will be begging for them to beat Tottenham on Saturday evening – just so the Norwegian keeps his job. Arsenal icon Paul Merson believes top-flight rivals will be delighted if United allow the under-pressure Solskjaer to keep his job.
It is an assessment that strikes a blow right into the heart of the Red Devils’ owners, the Glazer family, who appear keen for Solskjaer to remain.
United have endured a terrible run under the head coach, winning just two of their last seven games in all competitions. Both of those were in the Champions League.
Nine goals have been conceded in their last two Premier League fixtures against Leicester City and Liverpool.
The 5-0 defeat against the Reds last weekend was particularly disastrous, with home supporters streaming out of Old Trafford as their side trailed 4-0 at half-time.
And ex-England midfielder Merson has sensationally claimed that the best outcome for Premier League pace-setters Chelsea and Liverpool would be for United to beat Spurs.
Man Utd director Joel Glazer has had his Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plan ripped apart (Image: GETTY)
United winning at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would likely buy Solskjaer more time to turn results around.
"Everybody in and around the race for the top four and Europe - West Ham, Arsenal, Leicester - will be sweating on Manchester United winning at Tottenham," Merson wrote for Sky Sports.
"The damning thing is they will want Manchester United to win so that Solskjaer stays.
"You've only got to look at Chelsea since Thomas Tuchel has come in - they won the Champions League and now they are title favourites - see what an impact a new manager could have."
Invalid email
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 is widely expected that Solskjaer will depart if his side continue their poor form. After their clash with Spurs, they visit Atalanta in the Champions League before hosting the season’s first Manchester derby.
Solskjaer might find himself dismissed with defeats in all three. However, three victories and United will be back among the Premier League title contenders and on the brink of qualifying to the European knockout rounds.
Despite rumours of his possible departure, the 48-year-old has insisted he maintains constant dialogue with the Old Trafford hierarchy.