What Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Really Thinks About His Departure from Manchester United
In an exclusive interview, former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals his candid thoughts on his old club's current struggles, including the controversial sale of midfielder Scott McTominay. As he now leads Besiktas in Turkey, Solskjaer reflects on his time at the helm of United, his emotional attachment to the club, and what lies ahead for him.
Recently, Solskjaer has returned to the spotlight, shedding light on his emotional connection to Manchester United, which he consistently refers to as "family." Despite geographical distance, his heart remains with the club that has defined much of his career.
On the topic of Manchester United's performance, Solskjaer voiced his concerns about the club's dire position—currently hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. "It is hard to watch because it is your family that is struggling," he commented, revealing his dismay at the team's lack of success since his departure. With the club languishing at 14th place at the time of their last encounter, it seems the legacy he hoped to build has unraveled.
One of the most striking revelations from Solskjaer was his critique of Manchester United’s decision to sell Scott McTominay to Napoli for a fee that now seems almost ludicrous given the midfielder's impressive performances in Serie A. "How you can sell Scott is beyond me," he stated emphatically. McTominay has become a central figure for Napoli, exhibiting qualities that echo the dedication and tenacity he showcased during his time at Old Trafford.
Additionally, he lamented the lack of communication with most of the players after his exit. Out of the entire squad, only Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, and Victor Lindelof have reached out to him since he left. This paints a stark picture of the relationships he once nurtured, emphasising the disconnect that he believes has plagued the club post his tenure.
Looking ahead, Solskjaer is now focused on leading Besiktas through the intense pressure of a Turkish derby this weekend against Fenerbahce—a match that adds layers of importance to his new chapter. His time at United, riddled with successes and challenges, has undoubtedly shaped his approach as a manager. "You need the right structures and to get the right people in," he remarked, hinting at his aspirations for the future.
Solskjaer's narrative evokes a mixture of nostalgia and concern as he occupies a new role in Turkish football while still keeping a watchful eye on his former team. Will Manchester United ever recover from this turbulent time? As Solskjaer embarks on his ambition with Besiktas, the looming question remains: can United rectify their ongoing issues or will the cycle of despair continue?
For readers, what are your thoughts on Solskjaer’s comments? Do you think Manchester United can turn their fortunes around or is the current regime destined for failure? Share your opinions in the comments below.
