Daily Mail

United did not need to give Ole job so soon

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The Manchester derby is a game I always remember from my childhood due to the misery it used to bring. My mum’s family are all City supporters and they hated the match in the 1990s as it was pretty much a non- event. United were so far ahead that what should have been a proper scrap became a damage limitation exercise.

Watching the latest clash on Wednesday, it was clear the tables have completely turned. It was a mismatch. City are so far clear you wondered how it had come to this.

United are a shadow of what they once were. It is open season on them following seven defeats in nine games. I have watched events at old Trafford this season with an increasing sense of frustratio­n and disbelief; the performanc­e against City was a tipping point.

Back on March 9, I questioned on these pages why there was a rush to appoint ole gunnar Solskjaer on a permament deal. I didn’t say he shouldn’t be manager — he had absolutely earned the opportunit­y — but there was no pressure on United to do it.

Things were ticking along nicely and they had just beaten Paris Saintgerma­in. Since his position was formalised on March 28, they have only beaten Watford and West ham, and the feel-good factor has gone.

The situation does not reflect well on the players. I have played in enough dressing rooms to know when things turn sour. you could see that

had happened when Jose Mourinho was there and it worries me that the fizz and impetus of the first 20 games when Solskjaer (below) was in charge have disappeare­d so quickly.

After City’s 2-0 win, roy keane spoke on Sky about standards not being the same as when he was playing for United and his criticism hit the mark. It’s a privilege to play for a club of United’s size and it should mean something in every appearance. you don’t get to pick and choose the games you perform in.

I was fortunate to play for Liverpool — who, like United, are known throughout the world — and I fully understand the responsibi­lity that comes with representi­ng such a club. getting to that level is the pinnacle but I wonder whether some United players truly appreciate that.

Why did romelu Lukaku talk this week about wanting to play in Italy? Why is Paul Pogba not silencing rumours linking him with real Madrid? Things like that wouldn’t have been allowed to happen before, so why is it now?

The situation with Alexis Sanchez is a mystery to me, as is David De gea’s loss of form. he is class and United have to hang on to him but the troubles he is experienci­ng are reflective of the club itself.

you can see how much it is hurting some people. I thought Marcus rashford spoke very well after the City game but a 21-year-old should not have to take that responsibi­lity on his shoulders.

I don’t want to be seen as jumping on the bandwagon but they have serious issues to address. When they play Liverpool or City, I want to see United going toe to toe. I don’t want them to become just another team.

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