Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson called him after his Manchester United sacking to issue a rare apology. The club’s legendary striker was dismissed 18 months ago following a dismal run of form which culminated in a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of lowly Watford. Solskjaer initially took on the role of United manager on an interim basis, but his initial success meant it was almost impossible for the club’s board to do anything but hire him on a permanent basis. United experienced several undoubted highs during Solskjaer’s tenure but problems behind the scenes ultimately undermined the 50-year-old who was almost relieved to be put out of his misery when the axe finally fell. The circus surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the club and Solskjaer’s sparing use of him only added to the pressure on the Norwegian’s shoulders. Ferguson inadvertently added to that when he was caught on camera appearing to criticise Solskjaer’s decision to start Ronaldo on the bench in a damaging 1-1 home draw against Everton. In a conversation with former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in the directors’ lounge at Old Trafford, United legend Ferguson was filmed saying ‘you should always start with your best players’. Revealing Ferguson’s regret over those comments, Solskajer, as quoted by The Athletic, said: ‘That’s the one time Sir Alex has ever apologised to me. He was caught on a video after Ronaldo started on the bench for one game. He (Ferguson) rang me and apologised because he knows how difficult it is.’
Under Solskjaer’s permanent successor, Erik ten Hag, United have shown signs of progress this season but still require major investment this summer if they are to challenge for the title next season. Ten Hag missed out on a number of his top targets last summer but is confident United now represent a more attractive proposition for potential new recruits. ‘I see a big difference in comparison with last year,’ said the Dutchman on Friday. ‘There were a lot of reservations last year when I spoke with players and now many players see the project, what’s going on, the dynamic and the ambition in this project, the quality especially. They are really keen to come, I’ve noticed that.’