Manchester United: Solskjaer rounds on Ronaldo critics

Manchester United: Solskjaer rounds on Ronaldo critics

Ronaldo, who has scored nine goals in 10 starts since he rejoined the club from Juventus on transfer deadline day, is one of Solskjaer's big weapons ahead of the Manchester derby.

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Ronaldo not pleasing everyone

The 36-year-old is set to start in his first Manchester derby since May 2009 against City, the club who almost signed him in the summer until Sir Alex Ferguson persuaded him to rejoin United.

Yet despite his scoring record, which includes five goals in the Champions League culminating in Tuesday night's brace in the 2-2 draw at Atalanta which kept the Red Devils at the top of their group, he hasn't attracted wholesale praise.

Many analysts have criticised the fact that the Portuguese former world footballer of the year does not do his share of pressing, suggesting that this is holding United back.

Solskjaer throws support behind Portuguese

The club are currently fifth in the Premier League, already eight points off the top, and have failed to win six of their last nine matches in all competitions.

But Solskjaer told reporters: "He's one of the best players that has ever walked on this planet.

"His impact has been immense. He scores goals, he works for his team. He's a top professional. How people can say that's a negative, I can't see that one.

"We're really pleased he has started as well as he has. He is a top, top professional."