‘The center of attention should be on me’

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he will take responsibility if Manchester United’s season doesn’t change.

Executive vice president Ed Woodward and the Glazers, who own the club, have come under fire for their role in what the fans saw as a disappointing transfer window during the summer.

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But after two defeats in three games to start his Premier League campaign, Solskjaer insists the ball stops with him.

“The center of attention should be on me because I am the coach and I am responsible,” Solskjaer told a news conference on Friday.

“I raise my hands so that they have me in the spotlight. Last season was also difficult, we won two of the first nine games, which was difficult.

“But, if you are part of Man United as a player or coaching staff, you are used to this and you have to be mentally strong and for me this period is another opportunity to show and tell the players how much we believe in them.”

“It’s about being focused for the next game because I know they are capable of getting results and moving up the table.”

United’s bid to recover will begin with a trip to Newcastle on Saturday.

Solskjaer has selection decisions, particularly after revealing that Harry Maguire returned from international service for England with an injury. Maguire’s place has been the subject of debate after a poor start to the season following his arrest while on vacation in Greece. His injury may keep him out of the game at St James’ Park, but Solskjaer insists he never thought of leaving his captain due to poor form.

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Steve Nicol intervenes in Harry Maguire’s erratic form for the club and the country, but doesn’t think he should be eliminated.

“He’s convinced he’s ready to play, he’s a guy who doesn’t want to hide, he doesn’t want to hide behind a red card or a bad performance, he wants to go out and prove himself,” Solskjaer said.

“I don’t doubt his endurance in that sense, he’s very professional, so he wants to prepare for the national team and then it’s up to me to choose him or not and if I want to take him out of the line of fire.

“I hadn’t considered it without him coming knocking on my door. I speak with him regularly and he has been very positive in his communication.”