Solskjaer will be axed if Manchester United fail to win Europa League, says pundit

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be axed at Manchester United if they do not win the Europa League this season, according to former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy.

Defeat by Leicester in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday left Solskjaer with just one avenue left for silverware this season.

United failed at the semi-final stage last season as they were dumped out by Sevilla in the Europa League, but Murphy says they have to go two steps better this time around.

Solskjaer’s men face Granada in their last eight tie and then a two-legged semi-final tie with Roma or Ajax, if they can dispose of the LaLiga minnows.

The bookies have United as their overwhelming favourites and Murphy thinks Man Utd “will make a change” if the Norwegian does not win Europe’s second competition.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy said: “They can’t be blaming tiredness for a loss at Leicester in the FA Cup and their squad not being strong enough.

“United competing in the Europa League is not good enough, first and foremost, the fans know that, the club know that and Ole knows that.

 

Eric Bailly worried about new Manchester United contract

Eric Bailly worried about new Manchester United contract

Sky Sports News reporter James Cooper explains why Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is concerned about the club offering him a new contract.

 

“Not progressing in the Champions League was a massive, massive blow for them. Yes, they’re going to get in the top four… but so they damn should!

“He’s in a position for me where the Europa League, for me, has become monumental for him and the club.

“I like him and I’m not one who wants to see managers sacked and I do think they’ve made some strides forward, but Manchester United have to be doing better.

“If they don’t win the Europa League and only finish in the top four then I think they’ll make a change.”


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Diaby linked to United

Moussa Diaby is attracting interest from Manchester United, according to reports – but he won’t come cheap.

Diaby was a target for United last summer, when they were looking for reinforcements out wide. Jadon Sancho was their top target, but when that pathway became impossible, they search for alternatives.

One of the options was Diaby, but Bayer Leverkusen didn’t want to let another key player go after selling Kai Havertz to Chelsea.

They will be glad of their decision, as the 21-year-old has since provided seven assists and three goals from 24 Bundesliga appearances this season. He has also added six goals and three assists across cup competitions.

That form has led him to be named as one of the five best French players in the Bundesliga by France Football – who suggest United remain interested.

READ MORE: Another Dortmund star hits Man Utd radar and he ‘dreams’ of Old Trafford