Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 'not big enough' to control egos at Manchester United but must be given time as he 'hasn't lost dressing room' after summer recruitment of Cristiano Ronaldo

In midweek, the Red Devils were staring down the barrel of a fifth loss in eight matches as they played Atalanta in the Champions League.

They were booed by some fans as they trudged off at half-time trailing by two goals, only for Solskjaer's side to storm back memorably at Old Trafford and win 3-2.

Marcus Rashford struck on his first start since the Europa League final and Harry Maguire lashed home a leveller, setting up a box-office finish that saw Cristiano Ronaldo score with a powerful header from Luke Shaw's cross.

However, United's defensive frailties were once again clear for all to see and, despite their comeback, many pundits reckon they could be in for a hiding at Old Trafford this weekend when they face Liverpool.

Solskjaer's men showed great grit and spirit to fight back but former Scotland international Chris Iwelumo fears he doesn't have the managerial pedigree to control the big names when things go wrong.

"It's against the smaller clubs in the Premier League where these players don't turn up, that needs to be addressed" he told talkSPORT.

"We talk about work rate and work ethic. If you look at Man City where Aguero was flying, he never played the way Guardiola wanted him to play but he put those demands on him.

"He said: 'I don't care what you're doing, bringing goals, but you have to work.'

"Is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer big enough to control those egos? I don't think he is."

Despite his claim, Iwelumo insists the Norwegian must be given time for his new squad to gel.

"You look at their squad on paper, they should be competing, why aren't they?", he added.

"You saw in the first half against Atalanta they created chances and could have put it to bed.

"One thing I will say is he's not lost the dressing room, the players are playing for him.

"They came out and in the second half they were outstanding.

"He's recruited very well. [Jadon] Sancho, [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Raphael] Varane. The quality is there and you can't question the recruitment, so I think he needs to be given time."