Manchester United fans were left stunned when former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed that some of the club’s players had declined the opportunity to wear the captain’s armband. Solskjaer, who had a successful playing career with the Red Devils, returned to Old Trafford as manager in December 2018 and eventually took charge of the team permanently.
Initially appointed on an interim basis, Solskjaer made Harry Maguire the captain in January 2020 after Ashley Young’s departure to Inter Milan. Maguire held the armband until it was passed on to Bruno Fernandes on a permanent basis in the summer. However, Solskjaer disclosed that there were players who didn’t want the responsibility of being captain.
During an appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, Solskjaer revealed, “No one said ‘No’ to being the club captain, it was just for certain games. They didn’t want to say it themselves, they had other people come up to me and say it.” He expressed his disappointment at the situation, stating that it showed a lack of ambition from the players.
The revelation left former Manchester United player Gary Neville worried about the state of mind of those players. He questioned why they would turn down such a prestigious role and suggested that they must be in a bad place mentally to reject the responsibility. Neville’s concern highlights the importance of mental well-being in professional football.
Solskjaer refrained from naming the players who declined the captaincy but did praise current skipper Bruno Fernandes for his leadership qualities. He stated, “I knew Fernandes had captain qualities when I was manager at United. He’s got the personality and quality, but he knows and I’ve told him, that he’s too passionate at times and he loses a bit of control.”
The Norwegian manager also had positive words for Harry Maguire, describing him as the leader in the group during his time at the club. Solskjaer’s comments shed light on the importance of strong leadership within the team, and it seems that both Fernandes and Maguire possess the necessary qualities.
In addition to discussing the captaincy issue, Solskjaer also talked about other topics during his podcast appearance. He addressed the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United and expressed his regrets over the club’s failed transfer strategy. These insights into Solskjaer’s thoughts and experiences provide fans with a deeper understanding of his time at the helm of the club.
Furthermore, Solskjaer shared a surprising anecdote about a confrontation with former teammate Roy Keane. This revelation adds an intriguing dynamic to Solskjaer’s relationship with his players and showcases the passion and intensity that can exist within a team environment.
Overall, Solskjaer’s recent revelations have given fans a glimpse into the inner workings of Manchester United during his tenure as manager. The news that some players declined the captaincy role may raise eyebrows among supporters, but it also highlights the complexities and challenges faced by modern footballers. As the team moves forward under new management, the importance of strong leadership and mental well-being will continue to be key factors in their success.