When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrived at Manchester United replacing Jose Mourinho, the reaction from one man said it all.
Under Jose Mourinho, as happens at most clubs he manages, the end came with much negativity and discontent among the playing group.
This was no different at Manchester United, with the players visibly exhausted from the regime of the legendary Portuguese coach which made the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appointment perfect.
On an initial interim basis, Ole was tasked with revitalising the squad and getting them back to enjoying their football which is something which looked tricky under Mourinho.
It worked so well, that he ended up being handed a permanent contract and remained for two full seasons. Now, Ole has revealed how the then Red Devils captain at the time reacted to his first team meeting.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals how Ashley Young reacted to his first team meeting
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Ole admitted various reasons behind United missing out on various players such as Jude Bellingham.
After this, Ole shed light on his arrival at Old Trafford in a managerial capacity and particularly his first team meeting as boss.
On this, he explained he was keen to remind the players of what it meant to play for the Old Trafford side and get them smiling, he made this clear in his first meeting which impressed the players.
One player who was impressed in particular was Ashley Young who Ole heard respond positively to his talk.
Former United captain, Young said: “Thank ____ we’re talking about being Man United again.” This explained the instant improvement and incredible run we saw United go on under Ole.
Ashley Young’s response says it all about Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United spell
Young’s response seems to be out of a position of pure relief to be under a manager who gave the players freedom again.
This says a lot about the Mourinho spell of United’s history as at times it was truly awful and Young clearly agreed.
Young was, for all his on-field faults, extremely passionate and gave 100 per cent for the shirt so for him, Ole’s arrival was likely a massive relief as United regained some identity and team cohesiveness.
Ultimately it’s unfortunate that it didn’t work out for Ole, but he gave United so many happy moments in his spell as manager.
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