Solskjaer Expresses Doubts Over Manchester United's Current Squad

Israel Oluwaseg Lawal

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has criticized certain members of Manchester United’s current squad, referring to them as ‘fragile individuals’, and suggesting that they would have struggled under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson.

In a recent interview, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, former Manchester United manager, shared his concerns about the resilience and character of some members within the club’s current squad.

Drawing comparisons to the iconic reign of Sir Alex Ferguson, Solskjaer remarked that certain players may not have withstood the intense management style of the legendary boss.

Having spent his entire playing career under Ferguson’s tutelage, Solskjaer holds a unique perspective on the exceptional dressing room atmosphere that existed during the historic 1998/99 treble-winning season. Reflecting on those times, he nostalgically described the incredible chemistry and personalities that defined that era.

“The lads in that dressing room were absolutely fantastic,” Solskjaer recalled. “Keano [Roy Keane] was the leader, the one everyone looked up to. David May brought the humor, always lightening the mood. Gary [Neville] was, and still is, the epitome of dedication. Nicky [Butt] and Giggsy [Ryan Giggs] were the entertainers.”

Speaking to The Athletic he continued and said

“It was an incredible dressing room filled with winners who despised losing. We had our fair share of disagreements and fights, which is only natural after a poor performance; it was a way to motivate each other. But if you tried that approach with the current crop of players, they might run to their parents, agents, or simply crumble under pressure. They can be quite sensitive, you know.”

Solskjaer’s remarks shed light on the contrasting mentalities between the past and present generations of Manchester United players. While he holds the treble-winning squad in high regard for their tenacity, resilience, and ability to hold each other accountable, he expressed reservations about whether today’s players possess the same fortitude.

The Norwegian manager’s tenure at United came to an end last season, with subsequent managerial appointments made since then. Ralf Rangnick briefly assumed the role before Erik ten Hag took charge during the summer.