Rio Ferdinand has finally called for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to move on from Manchester United, although he insists his former teammate has done a “great job” as manager
By Freddie Keighley
Rio Ferdinand claims Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done a “great job” as Manchester United manager.
But the legendary former defender admits the time has come for Solskjaer to step away from the role “with his head held high”.
The Norwegian is under intense pressure after back-to-back Premier League losses at home to rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
In his third full season in charge, Solskjaer is expected to win his first silverware as Red Devils boss, but his side have slumped to sixth in the table and they were eliminated from the Carabao Cup in September.
Ferdinand has previously been reluctant to call for his ex-teammate’s head despite United’s dismal start to the season and in October he declared: “I’m not into calling for managers to be sacked.”
However, it appears the Englishman has revised his unwavering support for Solskjaer, as he believes a change of manager could be best for all parties.
“He’s done actually what he’s been brought in to do,” Ferdinand told his FIVE YouTube channel of Solskjaer. “He’s come in and given the fans hope again, made the fans want to come back and watch your team again.
“He’s done that. He has done a great job in that sense. But is he going to take us to win titles? Is he going to make us challenge to win a Champions League?
“You need the foundations that have been built to fall back on when you are lacking that confidence. When you’re thinking a five, a 10-yard ball that is normally easy becomes a difficult ball – the foundations get you through that. We (United) ain’t got that.
“The football club will be living here and breathing here longer than any individual. It’s what’s best for this football club.
“I just feel that maybe it might be time now for the baton to be handed over.
“Who can take us on now? And I think Ole would leave now with his head held high.”
Ferdinand also pointed the finger at United’s players and accused them of “disrespecting” Solskjaer, adding: “I don’t see a philosophy, I don’t see an identity. When I go and watch my team, if they get beaten, that’s fine. It happens.
“But I want to see what they are about. What are you? Players aren’t sprinting out and hurting themselves in games. I see that as a disrespect to the manager and almost like, ‘I don’t fear [Solskjaer]’.”
