Sir Alex Ferguson called Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to apologize after Cristiano Ronaldo dig
Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shared that legendary figure Sir Alex Ferguson personally apologized to him after initially criticizing his decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo from the starting lineup. Ronaldo made a highly anticipated return to Manchester United in the summer of 2021 during Solskjaer's tenure at Old Trafford. The Portuguese forward, previously of Real Madrid and Juventus, enjoyed a remarkable individual season, netting 24 goals across all competitions.
However, despite Ronaldo's impressive performances, Manchester United finished in sixth place, a step down from their second-place finish in the previous season without the star player. Solskjaer, at one point, even made the decision to bench the five-time Ballon d'Or winner for a league match against Everton in October 2021, a move that garnered attention and criticism.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who had guided Solskjaer as a player during his successful playing career at Manchester United, expressed his disapproval of the decision to drop Ronaldo in a video that surfaced at the time. Yet, Solskjaer recently disclosed that Ferguson personally reached out to him to offer an apology for his remarks.
"That's the one time Sir Alex has ever apologized to me," Solskjaer revealed during the 'An Evening with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer' event. "He was caught on a video saying, 'You should always play your best players,' after Ronaldo started on the bench for one game." Solskjaer continued by explaining that Ferguson called him to express remorse because he understood the challenges that come with managing a top club like Manchester United. Solskjaer expressed his appreciation for the gesture and acknowledged the difficulties of the managerial role without welcoming unsolicited advice from former managers.
Solskjaer's decision to bench Ronaldo for the Everton clash highlighted the complexities of managing a star-studded squad and making difficult tactical choices. The Norwegian tactician was willing to make bold decisions in the best interest of the team, even if they involved leaving out high-profile players like Ronaldo.
Ultimately, the conversation between Solskjaer and Ferguson showcased the respect and camaraderie between the two figures. Ferguson, known for his strong leadership and successful tenure at Manchester United, acknowledged the challenges faced by Solskjaer and extended a personal apology. Solskjaer, in turn, demonstrated his understanding of the pressures associated with managing a prestigious club and his ability to navigate through such situations.
As Solskjaer's managerial journey continues, he remains focused on steering Manchester United to success while handling the expectations and complexities that come with managing a team filled with star players. The support and understanding demonstrated by Sir Alex Ferguson in their personal exchange further emphasize the bond between two iconic figures associated with the rich history of Manchester United.
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