Manchester United secured a comfortable 2-0 victory against Wolves at Old Trafford on Saturday, with crucial goals from Anthony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho, who made a comeback from injury. This win propelled United four points ahead of Liverpool, who presently occupy the fifth spot in the Premier League rankings. Ole Gunnar Solskjær, the former manager of Manchester United, attended the game at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Manchester United dismissed the Norwegian from his position as manager in November 2021, citing a disappointing performance record. Subsequently, he was temporarily succeeded by Ralf Rangnick, who failed to bring about a noteworthy improvement in the team’s results. After the completion of the 2020/21 season, the Dutch coach, Ten Hag, assumed the managerial position permanently.
During his time as Manchester United’s manager from 2019 to 2021, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s record had its highs and lows. According to Transfermarkt, his team played 149 matches, winning 78 of them, which translates to a winning percentage of approximately 52.35%. On average, his team earned 1.79 points per game.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s comment raises doubts about current Manchester United team
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer contends that certain players he managed at Manchester United would have struggled to acclimate to the rigorous environment of the Old Trafford dressing room during the 1990s and 2000s.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer describing the current Manchester United dressing room… pic.twitter.com/ECZe3cjfp9
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Solskjaer characterized some of the current players as “snowflakes” and remarked that his fellow Manchester United players used to have “fights” in the dressing room during his playing days – a circumstance he believes would be difficult for today’s players to handle.
In his interview with The Athletic, Solskjaer went on to recall the remarkable personalities of the dressing room during his playing era.
“The lads in that dressing room were absolutely fantastic. Keano was the leader, the one everyone looked up to. David May was the Joker, the clown. Gary (Neville) is still the busiest and was the busiest back then as well. Nicky (Butt) and Giggsy (Ryan Giggs) were the entertainers,” he said.
“It was just a fantastic dressing room. Winners, who hated losing. They had a few fights, like you should do, after bad games. You had to shake each other up,” he added.
Conversely, Solskjaer expressed his anxiety that if the current players were subjected to the same treatment, they would seek backing from their parents or agents, or they would grumble about it. Finally, Solskjaer concluded that numerous contemporary players would have struggled to endure the demanding atmosphere of the dressing room during his playing era.
“If you do that to the boys now, they will get their dad, or their mum, or their agents… snowflakes. Not many of today’s lot would have survived in that dressing room.”
Solksjaer was also full of praise for ex-Red Devils midfielder Michael Carrick. He expressed his belief that Carrick, will eventually become the club’s manager. Carrick’s influence as Solskjaer’s assistant was significant, and Solskjaer commended his qualities of integrity, loyalty, respect, and knowledge.
While hoping for Carrick’s success in his current role, Solskjaer also foresees his return to the club in the future, considering his valuable experience and expertise.
Solskjaer refuses to rule out Man United return
Solskjaer has not accepted any other managerial position since he departed from Manchester United. He remains optimistic that his coaching career is far from over, however. While Solskjaer did not dismiss the possibility of a return to Old Trafford, he did not specify what his role would be if he were to come back
Currently, he articulates his unwavering assurance, affirming that he possesses the ability to undertake another role, granted that it is a fitting and exhilarating prospect. He elucidates that sundry clubs may pique his interest, nevertheless, he refuses to entertain job offers that lack any substantial value.
He said, “I’ve got another job in me if it’s the right chance and exciting enough. There are so many clubs, but I’m not going to work just for the sake of working. It has to be something special, a new culture, or a club that really excites me. Or maybe they will want me back at the club (United) in some capacity, who knows?”
Solksjaer emphasizes the paramountcy of discovering a distinctive opening, replete with a fresh and invigorating culture or a captivating club that would engross him. Moreover, he alludes to the prospect that Manchester United may extend an invitation for his return in some capacity.