Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has snubbed fellow Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo in the so-called ‘GOAT’ debate after naming the best player of all time.
The 50-year-old former Manchester United manager played alongside Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Solskjaer later managed Ronaldo after his former teammate returned for a second spell at Old Trafford after the Portuguese forward’s exit from Juventus.
The Norwegian head coach has spoken highly about Ronaldo in the past and even opened up about his opportunity to manage the United and Real Madrid legend.
Solskjaer’s reunion with Ronaldo at United in 2021 was short-lived, with the club legend dismissed from his post at Old Trafford during the 2021-22 season.
Ronaldo also made his exit from Old Trafford in 2022 after his falling out with current United manager Erik ten Hag and went on to sign for Al Nassr in 2023.
Solskjaer has been out of management since his spell at United came to an end, but the former Red Devils star has refused to rule out a return to the dugout.
Solskjaer names the GOAT of football
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer argued that legendary Argentine Diego Maradona is the best player of all time ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Pele.
“Maradona is the greatest ever player,” he told The National.
“And I was lucky enough to meet him. He didn’t really speak English.
“It was at Old Trafford when I was the Cardiff manager and watched United [vs] Liverpool.
“We got battered. Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush were sat behind me. I put my cap down.
“I was with my assistant Demps [Mark Dempsey], and he said, ‘There’s someone across the table who wants to speak to you.’
“I looked across and it was Maradona. He came across.”
Solskjaer on return to management
Solskjaer has admitted that he has been “enjoying” his time off since his spell as Manchester United manager came to an end.
The former United boss has been coaching the under-16s in his native homeland, as well as taking up other duties for UEFA after his exit from Old Trafford.
However, Solskjaer insisted that his return to management would be driven by the challenge rather than the money.
“It’s not that I’m looking for a job because I’m enjoying my time [off], but I’m ready for a job,” he said.
“Something that triggers you, that you fancy, that you can achieve something. I like working with people that share my values.
“I’m also coaching FC Clausenengen/Kristiansund Under-16s. We have an important game on Wednesday.
“And I’m doing my UEFA stuff analysing games. I watch games all the time but it’s a nice way of keeping your head in that tactical frame.”
Solskjaer added: “I don’t like to sound arrogant, but when you’ve been the manager of Manchester United you’ve had the highs.
“You spent your life at United and made enough money – so it’s not about the money, it’s about the challenge.”
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