Belief in afterstrife

Ole says Reds can see off City – with title push still on

UNDER-FIRE Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come out fighting and insists Manchester United can win today’s derby and challenge for the Premier League title.

But Pep Guardiola has warned it’s his job to ensure City “punish” United – not to “support” Solskjaer.

The Man United boss is under renewed pressure after their midweek Champions League exit, with many fans having lost faith in their former striker’s ability to lead the Reds back to the top.

Yet a win today would move United up to fourth, just two points behind leaders Tottenham with a game in hand.

Solskjaer said: “At Manchester United, you should always aim to win trophies. Of course, with the last three seasons, there have been two teams far ahead of the rest of the pack.

“But I got belief during the season, or since the turn of the year, that this team is improving and that we can put up a challenge.

“Of course we need to improve on last season but I don’t think any team will run away with it.

“I go into every single game wanting to win and feeling we can win and if you win every game you end up with a trophy.”

Solskjaer refused to condemn Paul Pogba, after the midfielder’s agent Mino Raiola chose the eve of the crunch Champions League tie at RB Leipzig to declare his desire to leave.

He instead chose to praise the player and said: “This is a team game and Paul is part of this team. He’s very focused on contributing when he’s here. He’s got the hunger and appetite to play and wants to play.

“He wants to train and he trains. There have been other players refusing to train and to play – they’re not here any more – but Paul’s not once done that.”

United look to avoid another disappointing day and intensified scrutiny for the manager. Solskjaer added: “It’s important not to press the panic button every time because you can’t win every single game.

“But there are games you lose that will stick and hurt more than others, that will have more consequences.”

Meanwhile Guardiola admitted they’ll expect a backlash from Solskjaer’s men but insists his side can ramp up the pressure.

The City boss said: “It will be difficult of course.

“But we’ll try to play our game, to control them as much as possible and, yes, to punish them.”

Guardiola has lost three of five match- ups with Solskjaer and added: “He’s an exceptional manager for how he has handled the team and how he represents United all around the world.

“Ole knows, everyone knows it depends on results but I have a high opinion about his work at United.

“But I don’t have to give him support, h e’s st ron g enough, he knows how it works in this job.”