Ole Gunnar Solskjær has named three of Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United players he still speaks to, criticising the sale of Scott McTominay to Napoli in 2024.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær played for Manchester United for 11 years between 1996 and 2007, scoring a total of 126 goals and providing 57 assists in 366 appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Known for his impact off the bench as a player, Solskjær became United’s interim manager in December 2018 after Jose Mourinho’s sacking. Following a startling run of form, he was appointed the club’s permanent manager in March 2019.
The Norwegian never won a trophy as United boss but came close during the 2020/21 Europa League final, where United lost out to Villareal on penalties.
He also guided United to third in the league table during his first full season in charge then second the season after, and was eventually sacked in November 2021 before Erik ten Hag joined the club.
Solskjær explains disbelief at McTominay sale
Solskjær took a long hiatus from football after he left United, but is now the manager of Turkish club Beşiktaş, and will be taking on Mourinho’s Fenerbache on Sunday evening.
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the tie, the 52-year-old was asked how he feels about Scott McTominay’s recent form. McTomiany was a favourite of Solskjær’s while at United and left the club to join Napoli for around £25 million in August 2024.
“I’d have to say Scott… How you can sell Scott is beyond me,” Solskjær said with an air of disbelief in his voice.
“For me, Fred and Scott together, really, you know, lads that you’d put your hat on every day to give 100%. Absolutely nailed on.”
‘Maguire has always been a leader’
While McTominay is being touted as a possible winner of this season’s Serie A Player of the Season award, one of Solskjær’s lieutenants who has remained at United and is currently undergoing his own resurgance is Harry Maguire.
The England centre-back has become a pivotal figure under Rúben Amorim over the last two months. He scored a stunning winning header against Olympique Lyonnais in the Europa League and has embedded himself as a central part of United’s defensive line.
But it has not always been smooth sailing for Maguire, who was stripped of the captaincy Solskjær handed him following Ten Hag’s first full season at the club. Speaking about the 32-year-old, Solskjær explained that he always knew Maguire was a leader and that he is one of three players whom he has since heard from in the current squad.
“For me, Harry has always been a leader and a fighter,” Solskjaer explained.
“I was never in doubt when I signed him and he walked in the door he would be captain for us. There is another captain there in Bruno [Fernandes]. The two of them are top human beings. I was so happy for them last night.
“Those two and Victor [Lindelöf] are probably the only ones I have heard from in the club since I left. You want the best for them.”
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