Villarreal boss Unai Emery has urged Manchester United to show patience with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer despite the club’s early-season blip.
Emery, who faces Solskjaer in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, knows just how ruthless the Premier League can be after he was sacked by Arsenal in 2019 following just 18 months in charge at the Emirates.
Solskjaer is under pressure at United after losing three of his last four games including the Group F opener to Young Boys in Switzerland.
Although there is no indication whatsoever that his job is under threat, former teammates Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Teddy Sheringham are among those who have warned that the Norwegian must deliver a trophy this season.
Emery insists there is no reason for United to panic, saying: ‘I’ve lived that when I was in Arsenal. Solskjaer is a former Manchester United player and a head coach who has a lot of support and respect.
‘He was in the Champions League last year and reached the Europa League final. This year he has many challenges ahead and it is true that he has had some negative results, but it wouldn’t be wise for the club to change the vision they have for the head coach.’
Emery masterminded Villarreal’s shock win over United in the Europa League final just four months ago, winning 11-10 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Gdansk, but he insists that Solskjaer’s side will be favourites again on Wednesday.
‘If we see the squad one by one and take into account what Manchester United represents in history, they are the clear favourites,’ added Emery.
‘That team from the final also has Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo, so if they were very good then they have improved even more.
‘I’m not afraid of Manchester United – we respect them and respect is important. If you lose respect the other team may take advantage of that.
Individually have very good players – attackers like Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial and Ronaldo. These are three attackers who could play in any team.
‘They lost against Young Boys. It was the favourite versus the less favourite, but there was a surprise.
‘Tomorrow’s Manchester United will be the best Manchester United, they have to prove their power.’