Solskjaer relishes criticism despite United pressure

A defiant Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he relishes criticism as Manchester United prepare for today’s Champions League match against Atalanta following their vital Premier League victory at Tottenham. The Norwegian faced intense speculation over his future after United’s 5-0 humiliation against arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford last week left them well off the pace in the English top-flight.
But the Red Devils eased the pressure on their manager with Saturday’s 3-0 win in London and it was Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo who instead lost his job yesterday. Former players, pundits and fans have questioned Solskjaer’s tactics, team selections and ability to succeed at the highest level, with the former United forward yet to win a trophy in nearly three years at the club.
But his decision at Spurs to pair Cristiano Ronaldo with Edinson Cavani up front and use a three-man central defence bore fruit as Ronaldo scored and provided an assist for the Uruguayan and the home side failed to register a shot on target.
“Criticism can make you doubt yourself, or you can stand up for yourself. I’ve always enjoyed criticism — just keep that coming,” Solskjaer said yesterday. “Journalists, pundits, experts — we’ve all got different jobs. I’m not here to fight with them, I don’t need a spat with anyone.”
The Red Devils top Group F with two wins and one defeat from three games but have not convinced in Europe. They suffered a shock defeat at Swiss side Young Boys in their opening fixture and needed late goals from Ronaldo to take them to wins against Villarreal and Atalanta.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s team led 2-0 at Old Trafford and had chances to put the game beyond United in last month’s reverse fixture before the hosts launched their comeback. Solskjaer admitted one good game would not silence United’s doubters and challenged his team to prove in Italy that they could perform consistently. “We’ve been working to get that consistency,” he said. “One swallow doesn’t make a summer. It’s a chance to prove we can go again.”

Mueller urges Bayern to answer critics
Thomas Mueller says Bayern Munich must use the criticism from their shock German Cup disaster to help them secure a spot in the Champions League knockout phase by beating Benfica today. “When FC Bayern crashes out of the cup with a 5-0 defeat, it’s clear that one or two comments are made that are slightly below the belt,” said Mueller.
The 32-year-old scored and created three assists Saturday as Bayern romped to a 5-2 win at Union Berlin to stay top of the Bundesliga three days after their 5-0 cup thrashing at Borussia Moenchengladbach. In Europe, Bayern are five points clear in Group E and a win over second-placed Benfica would guarantee a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Bayern were hurt by a string of negative headlines amid the fallout of their shock cup defeat which Mueller wants to use as extra motivation. “(The criticism) is okay with me, we’re not made of egg shells — you have to be able to take it sometimes, but we must not forget that we are still out of the cup,” said Mueller. “We didn’t just lose a game, but (are out of) a competition that means a lot to us. We have to deal with that accordingly,” he added.
Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski, who netted twice in Berlin on Saturday, is set to make his 100th Champions League appearance. The Poland star has already scored five goals in three European games this season. He netted twice in both the 3-0 win at Barcelona and the 5-0 home rout of Dynamo Kiev before scoring again in the 4-0 romp against Benfica in Lisbon two weeks ago.

FIXTURES
Group E: Dynamo Kyiv vs Barcelona; Bayern Munich vs Benfica
Group F: Atalanta vs Manchester United; Villarreal vs Young Boys
Group G: VfL Wolfsburg vs FC Red Bull Salzburg; Sevilla vs Lille
Group H: Malmo vs Chelsea; Juventus vs Zenit St Petersburg