Ferdinand ‘sceptical’ as Solskjaer should pass on ‘baton’ at Man Utd
Rio Ferdinand has called for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to pass on the “baton” to another manager as he’s done what he was “brought in to do” at Man Utd.
Solskjaer has been United boss since the end of 2018. They have finished third and second in the Premier League from his two full seasons in charge.
The Red Devils have not won a trophy during his tenure, though. They came close last term as they were beaten on penalties in the final of the Europa League by Villarreal.
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Man Utd currently sit sixth in the Premier League as they have lost four of their opening eleven games. Their defeats have come against Aston Villa, Leicester, Liverpool and Man City.
The nature of the losses versus Liverpool and Man City led to fresh calls for Solskjaer to leave United.
During his latest Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand suggested that it may be time for Solskjaer to leave United:
“We started this season with such hope but also the transfer window that we had, the excitement, we were all sitting there going ‘this is our time now’,” Ferdinand said.
“Ole was brought in to get us to that point. He was brought in to get the squad in tact, get the players in to make us challenge for the league.
“I sit here now and I don’t think we can challenge for this league. I look at our team every week wondering what are we gonna do tactically? I don’t see any philosophy or identity in the Man United way of playing whatever that should be from the management. I sit here looking confused at the team.
“I was always deep down sceptical over whether he could take us on to be champions. I wasn’t sure, I hoped he could be able to do that.
“But the showing with the squad he’s accumulated and what I’ve seen this season might be the time now for the baton to be handed over to take us on now. I think Ole would leave now with his head held high.
“He’s done actually what he’s been brought in to do. He’s come in and give the fans hope again, made the fans want to come back and watch your team again.
“He’s done that – he’s 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? Sitting here I have to be honest with myself and say I think no.”