OLE’S REDS ARE JUST FULL OF IT
RON ATKINSON reckons the major difference between Man United now and a couple of months ago is their belief.
Belief they can beat anyone on any given day and, in turn, belief they can challenge and dethrone Liverpool as English champions.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s troops head to their bitterest rivals this afternoon three points clear of them at the summit.
And ex-United boss Atkinson says they will leave Merseyside as the new title favourites – if they avoid defeat.
Just to be talking about his old club as potential Premier League winners is remarkable, according to Big Ron, given where they were languishing in early December.
Dumped out of the Champions League, dreadfully inconsistent in the league and a manager seemingly on the brink – the mood was suitably bleak.
Certainly nobody envisaged United might be sitting in pole position this soon, with the chance to stretch their lead to
SIX points over Jurgen Klopp’s title-holders.
Yet, as that turnaround has gathered pace, Atkinson has sensed a massive shift in the mentality of the squad.
Big Ron, 81, who won the FA Cup twice during his United reign in the 80s, said: “They have this very good momentum and that biggest thing going in the locker – confidence.
“You get the feeling they think they can win it – that they have real belief. If United win on Sunday, or don’t get beaten at least, then you have to make them the favourites.”
Atkinson points to some ‘B and B’ on the field for inspiring United’s rapid surge to the top – Bruno Fernandes and Eric Bailly.
“The lad Bruno’s phenomenal,” added former West Brom and Aston
Villa boss Atkinson. “One man doesn’t make a team but his influence over 12 months has been astronomical.
“And the other big plus is Bailly. When he first signed, I saw this top, aggressive centre-half. Unfortunately, injuries held him back but now he’s playing great.”
Solskjaer (below), so long deemed out of his depth at United, appears in a healthier position than at any time in his two years in charge.
Atkinson is delighted and added: “He stayed cool, kept his dignity – and never spat the dummy out when people were saying Mauricio Pochettino was in the wings. Now Poch is in Paris and United are top of the Premier League. Ole’s reaping the reward.”