Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s emotional connection to Manchester United still remains intact, even as he sets on his new role at Besiktas. In a candid interview with The Athletic, the former United boss opened up about his disappointment over Scott McTominay’s summer exit, praised present captain Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire, and reflected on the challenges plaguing Manchester United.
Letting McTominay Hurt
Solskjaer didn’t hold back when addressing McTominay’s £25m move to Napoli, calling the decision a misstep. “I’m upset we let him go,” he admitted. “He was important last season, popping up with goals. His heart and knowledge of the culture here mattered.” Under Solskjaer, McTominay made 115 appearances, becoming a clutch performer in big moments—including his iconic stoppage-time strike against Manchester City in 2020. Now thriving in Serie A with seven goals this term, the Scot’s absence looms larger amid United’s midfield problems.
Praise for Fernandes, Maguire
While critical of McTominay’s sale, Solskjaer applauded Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire for weathering turbulent times. “It’s still good to see Bruno and Harry doing well,” he said. However, he warned about United’s revolving-door approach to managers, stressing that successors often inherit squads built for “another manager’s vision.” He pointed at deeper structural flaws at United faced by both Erik ten Hag and now Amorim. Since Solskjaer left United, he has been succeeded by Ralf Ragnick, Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim but United have continued to perform under par with consistent success a far reality.
“Second Place Wasn’t Bad”
Solskjaer’s tenure, which included a Europa League final and consecutive top-three finishes, ended abruptly in late 2021 after heavy defeats to City and Watford. Yet he stands by his achievements: “Finishing second and third wasn’t bad given the Premier League’s level.” Echoing José Mourinho’s famous claim that securing runner-up with United was his “best achievement,” Solskjaer argued his squad punched above its weight despite gaps in quality.
United Journey
Now embracing life in Istanbul, Solskjaer compared Besiktas’ passionate fanbase to Old Trafford’s glory days, recalling the “bouncing Stretford End” after McTominay’s derby heroics. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer enjoyed a passionate fan following during his time and recalls the experience as a family-like. “I just remember a great time at United apart from the last six weeks. Going back to United was like going back to my family, like I’d never been away,” Solskjaer said about him going back.