DIMITAR BERBATOV understands why Manchester United are being linked with Mauricio Pochettino given the team’s recent form.
But the former Red Devil thinks the club should focus on signing a defender rather than sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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Mauricio Pochettino has been heavily linked with the Manchester United jobCredit: AFP – Getty
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under intense pressure at Old TraffordCredit: AFP or Licensors
The pressure is on the Norwegian boss after two successive defeats, with his side sitting 15th in the Premier League.
United lost 2-1 to Turkish outfit Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League on Wednesday after a 1-0 home league defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
Pochettino revealed he is ready to return to management earlier this week with United reportedly having approached him about replacing Solskjaer.
And given their awful start to the domestic season, Berbatov understands why United might be looking for a new gaffer.
He told Betfair: “If there’s truth to the Mauricio Pochettino rumours, it’s hard to blame United really.
“When the team plays bad, the buck stops with the boss, and this has always been true.
“I saw him recently as a guest commentator, and he said he is ready to work again, so it’s hard to stop those rumours.
“The one thing that won’t change, however, are the players. A new boss won’t change how they play.
Dimitar Berbatov thinks United should focus on signing a new defender rather than sacking the bossCredit: Getty – Contributor
“Yes, when you have a new manager you can see a bounce, but overall the attitude remains the same. No aggression, no passion, no holding each other to account.
“The players need to change their attitude as much as the manager needs to be changed.
“Many will say now is the time to make the change, others will say not yet, but watching this team now you probably would say there is something wrong.
“I’ve always been an admirer of Ole and a supporter of his, but if he continues like this then a change is inevitable.
“I still say United need a defender before they need a manager, a defender that is tactically aware.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s record after 99 games
“Everton on Saturday now is a huge game for United, and I think if they lose this, it’s probably the point where they look for a new manager.
“They are 15th in the table, could be lower depending on other results if they lose Saturday, and that isn’t acceptable for a club like United.
“It’s must win for United and Solskjaer.
“The crazy thing is that tactically he is a fine manager. I saw his first 100 games record recently, and the numbers aren’t that bad.
“However, it isn’t the 1980s anymore. Managers don’t get four years like Fergie did to win a trophy and improve the team, success must come quicker.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
