Manchester United's former manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, discloses that he has conversed with merely three players following his departure from the club.
Spotlight on Solskjaer's Bond with United Pals
The departed Red Devils gaffer, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, showers praise on the leadership of Maguire, Fernandes, and Lindelof.
Solskjaer, who left the club in November 2021, managed the team for nearly three years. In that time, he bagged 92 wins out of 168 games.
Post-exit, only a select few of his former players have reached out, with Maguire, Fernandes, and Lindelof topping the list.
After United's victory against Athletic Bilbao, Solskjaer shared his admiration for these three, expressing to the BBC, "Harry [Maguire] has always been a leader and a fighter. I never doubted him when I signed him, and he wasn't short of captain material."
He further applauded "another captain" in Bruno, praising both as "top human beings." The Norwegian added, "Those two and Victor are probably the only ones still at the club that I have heard from since I left."
During Solskjaer's reign, Maguire, Lindelof, and Fernandes were cornerstones of the team. Maguire was made captain by Solskjaer after Young's departure, and Fernandes joined the club during the same campaign. The trio made a total of 250 appearances under their ex-manager.
Although Lindelof's contract is set to expire this season, all three are still with the club over three years post-Solskjaer's exit. Scott McTominay and Fred, who Solskjaer also lauded, have since moved on. McTominay signed for Napoli last summer, while Fred plays for Fenerbahce.
Solskjaer's affection for McTominay is evident; he criticized United's decision to sell him, praising his dedication and committment to the team.
On Sunday, Fred's present team, Fenerbahce, will square off against Solskjaer's new team, Besiktas. Solskjaer was appointed manager of Besiktas in January, marking his return to the game after leaving United.
Sources:
[1] "Solskjaer's Criticism of Manchester United's Decision to Sell Scott McTominay" - [source url]
[2] "Three Key Players Connected to Solskjaer Still at Manchester United" - [source url]
[3] "In-Depth Analysis of Solskjaer's Management at Manchester United" - [source url]
Solskjaer's legacy at Manchester United is closely linked with players like Maguire, Fernandes, and Lindelof, who were cornerstones of his team and still remain at the club. After Solskjaer's departure in November 2021, he praised these three for their leadership and fighting spirit.
Although Scott McTominay and Fred, who were also highly regarded by Solskjaer, have since moved on to Napoli and Fenerbahce respectively, Solskjaer still expressed his admiration for McTominay, criticizing United's decision to sell him.
Interestingly, Solskjaer's new team, Besiktas, will face Fred's current team, Fenerbahce, on Sunday. This marks Solskjaer's return to management after leaving Manchester United.
The trio of Maguire, Lindelof, and Fernandes, who made a total of 250 appearances under Solskjaer, have been an integral part of his management style and team structure at Manchester United. [Source: "Three Key Players Connected to Solskjaer Still at Manchester United"] [Source: "In-Depth Analysis of Solskjaer's Management at Manchester United"] [Source: "Solskjaer's Criticism of Manchester United's Decision to Sell Scott McTominay"]
