'Cristiano Ronaldo got Solskjaer sacked' - Paul Merson makes bold Manchester United claim

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has claimed Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo was responsible for the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Norwegian was relieved of his duties in the Old Trafford hot seat last November after a torrid run of results. Prior to the start of the season, it had been hoped that United would be able to mount a title challenge, yet those hopes soon faded.

Much of the discussion surrounding Ronaldo's return in the summer was based on whether he'd be able to cope with playing in the English top-flight in the twilight of his career. The Portugal captain has scored 18 in all competitions, notching some key goals including a hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur.

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However, Merson isn't convinced. He wrote: "Cristiano Ronaldo is now 37. What's happening at United will be driving him up the wall.

"He's been one of the greatest players of all time but he can't now do what he used to. This league is relentless, it's too hard.

"I'm not going to say, 'I told you so', but I could see this happening. He got Solskjaer the sack, simple as that.

"They beat the record for the longest run of away games without a defeat and they played a certain way. Rangnick brought off Marcus Rashford at Everton when he was United's best player because he didn't want a repeat of what happened earlier in the season at Brentford."

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