Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has urged the club's hierarchy to give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer more time as manager.

The club have reportedly been considering removing Solskjaer in recent weeks, with former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino thought to be a potential replacement.

Speaking at the Pride of Sport Awards, Cole said: "We all know he took the job under difficult circumstances. He's trying to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool which is getting harder and harder.

"You look at the league this season and look at where Leicester are - who would have thought that at the start of the season? With Ole, he needs to be given time and slowly but surely, he'll get it right."

Solskjaer took over from Jose Mourinho as Manchester United interim manager in December 2018 and oversaw a positive turnaround in results that saw him offered the job on a permanent basis.

However, United have struggled so far this season and currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, eight points off the top four.