Solskjær defiant on future

Under-fire Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has responded to recent criticism before the Red Devils' Champions League tie against Atalanta tomorrow. 

The Norwegian answered questions of whether his job was under threat in bullish fashion: "We've progressed over the years. Sixth in half a season, third, second. You can see the progress."

"We have signed players which have raised expectations, but we are in the same boat as other top teams. Pressure on me of course but we have been through this before.

United have lost four of 11 in all competitions games this season, leading to questions about the club's coaching. "The coaching staff we have got is absolutely amazing" Solskjær told the press, "the attention to detail, training sessions, preparations. I don't think I could ask for better."

The United manager also refuted claims that Cristiano Ronaldo was to blame for the poor performance against Leicester City last weekend.

"We have got 11 players out there with different roles. We put a team out we think will win a game, if we don't win there will always be criticism. He is doing everything he can to help the team."

Support for Rashford

Solskjær was also unhappy with some of the recent headlines that circulated in the press which suggested that Marcus Rashford's focus wasn't entirely on football.

"Get the elephant out the room. We are so unbelievably proud of Marcus on and off the pitch. You made a headline out of one little comment. I meant so he could have focus on going into training not feeling his ankle or back."

Difficult opposition

But bouncing back won't be easy against Serie A side, Atalanta, who currently top Group F.

"I am very impressed by their way, their style, the way they develop players... the manager is clearly very strong."