Man Utd can win Premier League, says Solskjaer

 

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer talked up his team's ability to challenge for silverware in 2020-21.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United can win the Premier League title this season.

United manager Solskjaer is under mounting pressure heading into Saturday's derby against Manchester City following the club's Champions League group-stage exit.

Solskjaer's side are seventh in the Premier League standings and five points behind leaders Tottenham as they prepare to host Pep Guardiola's City at Old Trafford.

United are looking to beat City for the third consecutive match in the top flight for the first time since a run of four victories from 2008 to 2010, and Solskjaer talked up the Red Devils' title challenge.

"At Manchester United, you should always aim to win trophies," said Solskjaer, with United yet to win a Premier League title since 2013.

"Of course, with the last three seasons, as they have been, there's been two teams far ahead of the rest of the pack.

"But I got belief during the season, or since the turn of the year, that this team is improving and that we can put up a challenge.

"Of course we need to improve on last season, but I don't think any team will run away with it.

"I go into every single game wanting to win and feeling that we can win, and if you win every game you end up with a trophy."

City have won seven Premier League matches at Old Trafford – more than any other visiting side, while United are eyeing a fifth consecutive league victory.

But just 21 per cent of United's Premier League points this season have been won in home games – the lowest share in the division in 2020-21.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen what role United midfielder Paul Pogba plays against City.

Pogba – heavily linked to former club Juventus and LaLiga champions Real Madrid – appears set to leave United after his agent Mino Raiola claimed the Frenchman's time at the Theatre of Dreams was "over" prior to Tuesday's 3-2 loss to RB Leipzig.

"I said during the week that this is a team game and Paul is part of this team," Solskjaer added. "He's very focused on contributing when he's here. He's got the hunger and appetite to play and wants to play.

"He wants to train and he trains. There's been other players refusing to train and refusing to play - they're not here anymore of course - but Paul's not once done that.

"He's just focused on performing when he gets a chance. That's the good thing about Paul.

"He's got the quality and the desire to do well when he comes on, like he did against Leipzig. He had a positive impact. He's part of the squad for tomorrow."