Gary Neville says there is now more scrutiny on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer than ever before to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
The Manchester United legend made the comments on his Sky Sports podcast following the Red Devils' frustrating 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday.
Neville believes it is crucial that Solskjaer gets the best out of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo after four trophyless seasons for the Red Devils.
Advert
"He's been an incredible bridge from, not a dark period for the club, but a period where the club lost its identity and lost its way.
"There's no doubt the club lost its way after Fergie left. Ole has returned some of the values back to the club. There's a group there who do want to play for the club.
"The signings have been a lot like Manchester United, but I do feel that there is now a pressure to deliver after bringing in world-class talents like Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho.
"Ole knows it's make or break this season. You have to win a trophy with players like that."
Ronaldo's talent is indisputable, but many keen observers spotted the way in which the Portuguese megastar stormed down the tunnel at Old Trafford following the aforementioned draw with the Toffees - actions which Neville feels can undermine Solskjaer's hard work to foster a togetherness in the squad.
Advert
"Is Cristiano upset when he doesn't play? Yes. If he upset when he doesn't score? Yes. Is Cristiano annoyed as hell when the team doesn't win? Of course. We know these things; he doesn't need to prove that.
"He walked off the pitch muttering to himself which in some ways throws the questions up in the air. 'What's he saying? Who's he annoyed with?' And it can only come back to the manager.
"So, I do think actions like that - Ronaldo is smart enough to know - will bring real pressure, more pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
"It is what it is, but I think that has to be managed in the next couple of months. Cristiano won't always score and can't play every single game, but I think if he's going to walk off like that it's going to put immense pressure on Ole.
Advert
"There's no doubt the talk after the game was about the manager."
Words by James Hilsum.
Featured Image Credit: PA/Sky SportsTopics: Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Everton, Gary Neville, Cristiano Ronaldo
