Berbatov reveals what Solskjaer must do to save Man Utd job

Dimitar Berbatov feels a repeat of Manchester United’s thrashing by Liverpool in Saturday’s Manchester derby could be the final straw for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Red Devils and Solskjaer were hammered in the media after their humbling at the hands of Jurgen Klopp’s side. There were calls for the Norwegian to be sacked but club bosses opted not to pull the trigger. And they responded well, beating Tottenham 3-0 at Old Trafford.

However, the north-west giants were, once again, indebted to Cristiano Ronaldo as they drew 2-2 with Atalanta on Tuesday. There is no question that United have an array of attacking talent in the ranks.

But questions have been raised about their tactics – or lack of – this term. Liverpool found it far too easy to overrun the United defence.

And ex-United striker Berbatov hopes that Solskjaer has learnt his lesson – otherwise it could be curtains.

“If United approach this City game the same as the Liverpool game, then it will be the same result,” he told SunSport. “And if it is the same result and performance, that’s going to be too much for everybody.

“I hope and I don’t think it will be like that – otherwise it will be a double embarrassment and it would show Ole didn’t learn anything from Liverpool which shouldn’t be the case.”

United welcome Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to the Theatre of Dreams at the weekend. Victory will see the hosts join the Citizens on 20 points.

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But another loss might see them 11 points adrift of table-topping Chelsea. Berbatov is looking forward to the game and witnessing how the home side go about their business.

“They need to learn from that defeat and do everything in their power to play in a way that can win,” he added. “It is a very big game. They know each other very well so they must prepare and be tactically wiser. Let’s not forget Ole has a good recent record against City.

“I will be curious to see how they correct everything from Liverpool.”

Berbatov urged players to step up

Ronaldo’s summer return caused a stir in Manchester that United might be ready to challenge for the title. That seems unlikely but the Portugal skipper has not disappointed.

He already has nine goals from 11 outings in all competitions. And Berbatov is wary of his team-mates relying too heavily on the superstar.

“Ronaldo has been doing this throughout his career; covering his teammates from time to time when his team is not doing so well,” he continued. “But he cannot do this all the time. Sometimes other people need to pop up and say: ‘Take a rest – I will take it from here’.

“They are struggling to find the right attitude in games. Everyone needs to put effort in, not rely on your star player and say: ‘I will put in 60 per cent because I know Ronaldo is there.’

“You cannot always depend on him.”

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