ROBSON: SOLSKJAER HAS BEEN LEFT SHORT BUT HE WILL GET THE TIME & CASH TO PUT THINGS RIGHT
BRYAN ROBSON reckons Manchester United left under-fire boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer short of leading stars this summer.
The Red Devils legend says the club made “a mistake” by clearing out big names including Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez without replacing them.
Captain Marvel Robson has given his verdict on United’s season so far, saying: “they’ve left themselves a bit short”.
That is expected to be rectified when Solskjaer is given up to to sign up to eight new players in the next two summer transfer windows, with Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic, 33, being targeted in January.
United global ambassador Robbo, who won two titles and three FA Cups as skipper at Old Trafford, has warned Solskjaer needs three years rebuilding the squad before he can be judged.
The club has made their worst start in the league for 30 years and face Liverpool
– who have a 100 per cent record – next Sunday.
Robson (right) said: “I think United’s only mistake so far is allowing too many experienced players to go. Because we have had quite a lot of injuries at this stage of the season they have left themselves a little bit short. That is why they are where they are.
“Lukaku (to Inter), Sanchez (Inter on loan), Ander Herrera (Paris-Saint Germain), Chris Smalling (Roma on loan). These are very experienced players. In this situation, rather than kids, you need those types of experienced players to steady it.
“People talk about leaders and every club needs them. Whether it is a central midfielder or a dominant centre-half, you need a leader to organise on the pitch. United and others are looking for that type of player.”
Solskjaer feared that losing to Liverpool could end his reign but he has been reassured his job is safe
Robson says the patience of United fans has been key.
He added: “I believe three years is the time when you make the decision on whether you manager is doing well.
“They have hung their hat on Ole being the man for the job and reinvigorating their youth policy and developing more kids coming through.”
Solskjaer admitted finishing in the top four will be a struggle but Robson says they have had some bad luck derailing their hopes.
“Anthony Martial started the season well,” he said.
“Unfortunately he has a longterm injury and you can’t afford to carry that when you have let two top-class strikers go.
“Is Ole safe? I think United made that really clear when they gave him the job last year. They said they would give him time. The good thing with Ole is that the fans are right behind him as well.”
MATTY GODDEN breathed a sigh of relief after Coventry boss Mark Robins agreed his new deal this week.
The striker, 28 (left) was persuaded to join from Peterborough in the summer when Robins convinced the forward his future lay with the Sky Blues. So the last thing Godden wanted was to hear was Robins, 49, had walked out.
He said: “It’s massive for everyone at the club seeing the gaffer sign a new deal. I’m buzzing he’s staying – especially after he bought me this summer.”
Coventry slipped out of the top two after a four-goal thumping by Rotherham United last week.
But Godden said: “We’re still flying in the league – our confidence shouldn’t be shot after one defeat.”
NEIL MOXLEY