Ronaldo's return to Man Utd 'turned out wrong': Solskjaer

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
20 Sep 2023 23:59

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the decision to sign Ronaldo in 2021 "was very difficult to turn down."

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Cristiano Ronaldo (AFP)

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that the club's re-signing of Cristiano Ronaldo "turned out wrong."

Solskjaer was in charge when United brought the five-time Ballon d'Or winner back to Old Trafford in a much-hyped move in August 2021.

At the time, the transfer was viewed as a storm that could potentially fuel a Premier League title challenge for United, who had finished second the previous season.

However, the team struggled and Solskjaer was sacked in November of that year.

Ronaldo left the club 12 months later and currently plays in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr.

"It was about taking the next step to challenge for the title. And, unfortunately, it just didn't work out," Solskjaer told the Athletic.

He indicated that the decision to sign Ronaldo "was very difficult to turn down and I felt we had to take it, but it turned out wrong."

He continued, "It felt so right when he signed and the fans felt that at that Newcastle game (when he scored twice), when Old Trafford was rocking. He was still one of the best goalscorers in the world, he was looking strong."

But the Norwegian added, "When you have a group you need everyone to pull in the same direction. When things didn't go right, you could see certain players and egos came out."

Solskjaer was also the manager when the club signed England defender Harry Maguire in 2019.

The Norwegian pointed out that the recent criticism and ridiculing of Maguire has been unfair.

"Harry Maguire -- it's a disgrace that he's getting so much abuse. I feel sorry for him, but he's a strong lad and I hope it turns for him," he said.

"He raised our defence big time when he arrived and lifted the mood around the place."

United, with Dutchman Erik ten Hag now at the helm, have not won the Premier League since 2013 and are currently 13th in the table after three defeats in their first five matches.