Man Utd insider ends myth around key Ole Gunnar Solskjaer managerial match

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A Manchester United insider has debunked a myth around a poor run of form that resulted in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal as manager.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer initially took over as caretaker manager, replacing Jose Mourinho at a time when morale in the dressing room was at an all-time low.

The Norwegian coach, who was already a club legend from his successful stint at Old Trafford as a player, immediately lifted the dressing room. He won his first eight matches and set a positive tone for the club following Mourinho’s departure. This led to him getting the job permanently.

United finished third in the Premier League during Solskjaer’s first season, before finishing runners-up to Man City in 2021.

Under Solskjaer’s guidance, the Red Devils also set a long-standing record for the longest unbeaten run in Premier League history.

The ultimate failing for Solskjaer was the lack of silverware. United would come close but always fail to jump at the final hurdle. That was evident in the 2021 Europa League final when United lost to Villarreal on penalties.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer didn’t lose the dressing room

In his third season as manager, it began to unravel for Solskjaer.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s homecoming didn’t quite go to plan because it meant that Solskjaer had to change his tactics to suit the veteran striker.

It begs the question as to whether the club was right to accommodate a big-name player even though it went against what the manager had been working towards.

The results worsened as United recorded six defeats in 11 games over two months, including a heavy defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford. Losing to Watford was the final nail in the coffin for the much-adored United legend, after conceding twice in stoppage time to lose 4-1.

“That game was a mess,” a dressing room source told BBC Sport.

“The scoreline suggested everything had gone wrong.

“It hadn’t but that is when you need backing. The usual noise about ‘losing the dressing room’ started. He never did. He might have lost one or two players but usually they are the ones not getting picked.”

Many, to this day, believe Solskjaer was treated unfairly and deserved more backing from the board.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer message to the fans after Man Utd sacking

Solskjaer will be forever held in high regard among United fans for everything he did at the football club.

He’s always had a strong bond with the Old Trafford faithful, and that was clear after he was sacked by the club.

During an emotional interview with MUTV, Solskjaer said (via Manchester Evening News): “It’s been a ball. Let’s keep supporting this team, you’ve got to stick with them.

“They’ve [the fans] been amazing with me since one of my first kicks on the ball, I scored with one of the first ones, until now. And I’m sure we’ll meet again because if there’s anywhere, I’m going to watch football games, that’s from Old Trafford.”