OLE: THE HEAT IS NOW ONME AND ME ALONE

Solskjaer bids to deflect pressure from struggling stars

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER admitted all the pressure should be on him as he begins a run of games that will decide his Manchester United fate.

United, who face seven games i n 21 days, have endured a nightmare start to the season, with two defeats in their first three Premier League games leaving them in 16th place.

The 6-1 mauling at home to Tottenham was their biggest defeat for nine years, while talk of players losing faith i n Solskjaer – and skipper Harr y Maguire’s alarming loss of form – have added to the sense of crisis at United.

“The spotlight should be on me, because I’m t h e ma n a g e r a n d I ’m responsible,” said Solskjaer.

“Last season was also hard, we only won two of our first nine games, which was difficult.

“But i f y ou’re p ar t of Manchester United, you’re used to this and you have to be mentally strong. For me, this period is another chance to prove that.

“It’s about being focused for the next game, because I know the players are capable of getting results and moving up the table.”

Despite Solskjaer’s positive spin , United’s upcoming fixtures are brutal, particularly for a team bereft of form and confidence, They have shipped 11 goals in their last three league games.

Af t e r t o d ay ’s trip to

Newcastle, United go to Paris Saint-germain, then host Chelsea, RB Leipzig and Arsenal , before going to Turkish champions Istanbul Basaksehir and top-of-thetable Everton.

With a cur tailed preseason due to their progress in Europe last term, United are well short of where they should be, mentally and physically. But there is no respite fr om the fi xture demands.

“Now the players have had some i nternationals and we’re getting that fitness back,” said Solskjaer. “Now it ’s ab out creatin g that energy in every game.”

Bruno Fernandes was forced to deny a dressingroom bust-up with th e United boss after he was subbed at half-time during the drubbing by Spurs. Solskjaer tried to create a siege mentality among his players by claiming: “We know, any little chance from outside, people want to create division,” he said.

“Bruno spoke really well about it the other day - we’re united and we have to stay together, we can’t listen to everyone outside.

“Bruno has lost two league games since he came here back in February. ry. It ’s b e en tw o i n quick succession, but he’s not used to losing league games.

“Welcome to Manchester United, Bruno, this is what happens.

“You’re everyone’s favourite target if something goes wrong.”