DAVID BECKHAM insists his old Manchester United team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is doing an “incredible job” as boss – and has the strength to withstand any criticism.
Solskjaer has guided United to second in the Premier League and into the Europa League quarter-finals but they flopped in Sunday’s 3-1 FA Cup last-eight loss at Leicester.
And some pundits suggest the Norwegian must win silverware this term to keep his job.
But United are eyeing their first back-to-back finishes in the top three since Alex Ferguson’s reign.
And Inter Miami owner Beckham told ESPN: “I’ve seen some of the criticism but I suppose when you are a manager of Man United, when they’ve had success over the years that they’ve had, there was always going to be a point where people get criticised, whether it’s the players, whether it’s the owners, whether it’s the manager.
“Ole’s been in the game long enough to be able to take any kind of criticism.
“He’s very quiet, he gets on with his job, and I think he’s done an incredible job down at United.
“The results are starting to show that. Hopefully it continues because the fans love Ole, we all love Ole and we all want him to do well.
“So when the criticism comes, he’s one person that can take it.”
United are favourites to win the Europa League, helped by the quarte-final draw pairing them with mid-table LaLiga side Granada.
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And Becks’ former England team-mate Danny Murphy believes Old Trafford chiefs will axe Solskjaer unless they lift the trophy.
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Murphy told talkSPORT: “They can’t be blaming tiredness for a loss at Leicester and their squad not being strong enough.
“Yes, they’re going to get in the top four… but so they damn should!
“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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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk