Manchester United vs Istanbul Basaksehir: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer responds to Roy Keane’s sack warning

Solskjaer vows to ‘stay strong’ and turn United’s fortunes around

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Getty Images)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer vowed to "stay strong" coming under further pressure after Manchester United's dismal 2-1 defeat away to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League.

Shambolic United defending cost them goals to Demba Ba and Edin Visca, while Solskjaer's side were unable to find an equaliser after Anthony Martial pulled one back.

This was United's first European defeat of the season but their fourth in all competitions and second straight reverse after going down 1-0 to Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

After that game, former United captain Roy Keane suggested that Solskjaer could lose his job due to the inconsistent performances of his players.

Solskjaer insisted that he is doing his job to the best of his ability and that it was still early enough in the season to turn United's form around.

"I decline to comment on such a thing," he said, when asked about Keane's comments. "Of course it’s early on. Opinions are out there all the time.  

"You've got to stay strong. I’m employed by the club to do a job and I do that to the best of my ability with our staff."

Solskjaer survived United’s poorest start to a domestic season since the 1989-90 campaign last year and ultimately helped achieve a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League.

Speculation has intensified, however, following an indifferent start this term. Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino remains without a club and has long been linked with Old Trafford.