Manchester United star ‘challenged’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision

After suffering a disappointing 5-0 defeat against Liverpool, questions were raised regarding the future of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the Manchester United manager. That defeat had meant that they had lost five of their previous nine games across all competitions. As a result, the 3-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur must have come as a huge relief for the Red Devils.

Solskjaer went for a different system on this occasion, knowing he needed to change things up. As a result, Manchester United had three at the back. And it appeared to solve a lot of their problems.

The club had conceded a number of goals in recent times. Four against Leicester City, two against Atalanta and five against Liverpool. But they were able to keep a clean sheet against Tottenham Hotspur. And three at the back might be the way to go.

Defence has been a worry for Manchester United recently, regarding both form and fitness. As reported by The Telegraph (via The Sun), Eric Bailly ‘openly challenged’ Solskjaer over his selection of an unfit Harry Maguire over him in the game against Leicester City.

Manchester United have had their issues in defence this season

Manchester United suffered a 4-2 loss against Leicester City in that game with Maguire looking off the pace, having spent a few weeks out with injury heading into the game.

Solskjaer has continued to pick the Manchester United captain since then though despite there being questions about his recent form.

On the other hand, Bailly has hardly featured this season despite having signed a contract extension earlier this year. Thus, one has to wonder whether the Ivory Coast international has a long-term future at Old Trafford.

If Manchester United do continue to field three at the back though, one would expect Bailly to eventually get more minutes on the pitch this season.