Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer failed to beat Aston Villa in a lacklustre performance, which has the Red Devils just one win in their last four games in all competitions.
To make things worse for the United boss, it was talisman Bruno Fernandes who missed a last-minute penalty that would have saved the team’s blushes, in a game they struggled to really create any clear-cut chances.
This loss leaves them fourth in the Premier League currently and on a run that’s seen them open their Champions League campaign with a loss and knocked out of the Carabao Cup at the first stage.
United are without a trophy since 2017 and have spent over £370 million since Ole took over managing the team. Having spent this much and brought in one of the worlds best players in Cristiano Ronaldo, on a very expensive contract, time could be running out for the Norwegian, if he cannot deliver silverware.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes the Ronaldo signing is a make or break for Ole:
"There’s no doubt that Ronaldo’s a make or break signing for Ole because with Ronaldo in the squad, he has to win.You can’t have any excuses. You bring in one of the best players of all time to your club, you’ve got the Jadon Sancho signing, the Raphael Varane signing at centre back, you’ve got to deliver.(via BBC Sport)"
Next up for Ole and Manchester United
Ole’s team face Villareal in the Champions League, in a rematch of the 2020 Europa League Final, in which United lost on penalties.
They then go on to face Everton before the international break; both games could be pivotal to Ole’s future – especially in the Champions League – as it would be disastrous for United to fall out once again.
Though United have built up some impressive performances over the last year, the pressure is on, and there is no longer any excuses for Ole.