Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Rio Ferdinand calls for Manchester United boss to 'hand baton over'

Solskjaer has been responsible for the recent humiliating defeats of Liverpool and Manchester City
Rio Ferdinand, a former England and United defender, has raised questions about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s future as Manchester United manager. He called for the "baton" to be handed.

Solskjaer is feeling intense pressure after Saturday's defeat at home by Manchester City and last month's 5-0 loss by Liverpool.

Ferdinand stated that it was time for the Norwegian to quit Old Trafford.

Ferdinand stated, "From the point he came in to the point he got us at this season's beginning, I think it is positive."

Solskjaer is under greater scrutiny following the 2-0 derby loss, which occurred 13 days after the humiliating 5-0 home defeat to Liverpool.

United has only four points from six league games, and they are now sixth in the table. They are nine points behind leaders Chelsea.

Solskjaer, who was among the United's international players, has returned to Norway to be with his family. It is believed that he gave his non-international players some extra time.

Ferdinand claims that Old Trafford is not yet indicating a management change, but he is "confused" by Solskjaer's side.

"I look at our team every single week and wonder what tactically we will do," said the 43-year old, who has won six league titles in twelve years at United.

"I don’t see any philosophy or identity in the United Way of Playing, regardless of what the management might say. I am confused as I look at the team.

"When you compare it with the summer transfer window that we had, we all were sitting here excitedly thinking, 'this is where our souls are meant to be'.

"I return to the point. Ole was brought in to help us get back to a point. We thought that this was it at the start of the season.

Ferdinand admitted that he was not "fully convinced" by Solskjaer's abilities to lead United to the Premier League summit.

"I was always a little skeptical. Could he make us champions? I wasn’t certain, I wasn’t completely convinced, but I hoped that he would be able.

"But his showing with the squad that he assembled up to the start of this season and the things I've seen this year, I feel it may be time for the baton now to be passed to someone who can take us forward."

"United living off the history of when they were great"

Chris Sutton, former Celtic striker, said Solskjaer was being "outcoached" and "out-thought" by "top guys". He also stated that Solskjaer believes there is no place for him to hide this season, after spending the summer on Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sutton stated that Manchester United still live off their history as a strong team.

"I like Ole. He's a nice guy, but he's being out-coached and out-thought.

Sutton also criticized United's lack of ambition, claiming that his former club Norwich City showed more determination by dismissing Daniel Farke following a poor start.

He said that "Norwich are bolder than Manchester United, because they have been decisive."

They expect to remain in the Premier League, but they have made a change. Manchester United - what expectation? Are they going to win anything with this manager and this team? Everyone can see that.