Man Utd ‘servants’ in City derby with Solskjaer’s job only saved by historic connection to club, fumes Louis van Gaal

EX-MANCHESTER UNITED manager Louis van Gaal believes current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has only held onto his job because he is a former United player. Van Gaal was sacked by United at the end of the 2015-16 campaign after two years in the Old Trafford hot seat, despite lifting the FA Cup that season. And […]

EX-MANCHESTER UNITED manager Louis van Gaal believes current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has only held onto his job because he is a former United player.

Van Gaal was sacked by United at the end of the 2015-16 campaign after two years in the Old Trafford hot seat, despite lifting the FA Cup that season.

PA:Empics Sport

Van Gaal has criticised Solskjaer and suggested he could be sacked at the end of the season[/caption]

PA:Press Association

Solskjaer has been under pressure at times[/caption]

And the Dutchman feels United could follow suit by giving Solskjaer his marching orders at the end of this season, and that his club legend status protects him from a mid-season dismissal.

Van Gaal told the Daily Mirror: “Solskjaer is an ex-player, so they will not sack him as quickly as someone else.

“United won’t sack a manager during the season, especially Solskjaer.

“I see all the stories about Solskjaer and his future in the media.

“But they waited with sacking me until the end of the season and that could happen to him.”

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The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach went on to criticise Solskjaer’s tactical approach in the Manchester derby last weekend.

Van Gaal said: “All Man United did was defend with ten men.

“Everyone knows my relationship with Pep Guardiola, who is angry with me because I challenged him in my last book.

“But I enjoyed watching City more than United. I have far more sympathy for City than for United.

“Honestly, United were just defending and hoping they can do a quick hit on the counter.

“United just defend and put a couple of players up front who can run 100 metres in 9 seconds. Is that a world record?

“In the derby, United played as if they were City’s servants.”

Van Gaal recently questioned Donny van de Beek’s decision to join the Red Devils.