United players pulling for Ole...he be given a chance to win a trophy and win over the knockers

MANCHESTER UNITED must stick with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer until the end of the season – and give the team he built a chance to bear fruit.

The way United overturned a twogoal deficit against Atalanta in the Champions League was as instructive as it was thrilling.

Make no mistake, those players were pulling for their manager.

Ole’s at the wheel, and whenever United win he’s seen as being on the brink of taking them back to the glory days. But when they lose he’s on the brink of getting the sack. There seems to be no middle ground.

I believe United will stick with him until the end of the season, and give him the chance to deliver the club’s first trophy since 2017. If he doesn’t, then the board will have a decision to hard graft for me, I can’t imagine how make. But they should wait until next much pressure Solskjaer is under. May to see if his grand plan works. I thought it was harsh when the

Critics sneer that I only stick up for fans booed off United at half-time him because my son is a young pro on against Atalanta. They could easily the books at Old Trafford – nonsense. have been drawing 2-2, or even I’m sticking up for Solskjaer because winning, instead of two goals down.

Their fightback sets up this Can Klopp’s side afford to go weekend’s Red Clasico gung-ho when United were perfectly – and I won’t be able to bring Pogba, Cavani and writing off United’s chances

against Liverpool.

Sancho off the bench to turn the

Games between United and tide in thriller with Atalanta?

Liverpool were often the most eagerly-awaited on the fixture calendar while I was a player, and this will be a duel between two superpowers with arguably the best forward lines in the country.

Will United be able to cope with Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane? Not if they defend the way they did at Leicester last Saturday.

But can Jurgen Klopp’s side afford to go gung-ho when United were able to bring Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Jadon Sancho off the bench to turn the tide in the Champions League thriller with Atalanta?

For all United’s defensive brittleness, they have an irresistible

I think this season will be defining for him. And as someone involved in the day-to-day running of a football club, I have an insight into the incredible pressure that goes with a job like Manchester United.

In no way am I comparing Macclesfield with United. But if it’s depth of quality up front. Yes, the Italian side’s wing-backs hurt United on the counter and, if they give Trent Alexander-arnold and Andy Robertson as much space to wreak havoc, they will be dead and buried.

But you simply cannot ignore Cristiano Ronaldo, and no cause is ever lost with him in your team. Even at 36, his gift for scoring late, crucial goals remains undiminished.

His winner against Atalanta proved he is still a serious threat in the air.

And when Solskjaer has so many exciting options on the bench, he is always going to be in with a chance.

My United-liverpool XI, based on players expected to be available for this weekend’s game, reflects the fine margins Solskjaer walks: Win, and Ole’s at the wheel – lose, and #Oleout will be trending on Twitter.

See if you agree with my hybrid 4-2-3-1 formation: I’m sure fans on either side won’t be slow to let me know if they disagree.