November 21, (THEWILL) – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted that he is “very, very proud” of his work at Manchester United.
THEWILL recalls that after the Red Devils lost 4-1 to Watford in the Premier League over the weekend, Solskjaer was relieved of his duties. This was the latest in a spate of recent performances that failed to live up to the minimum expectations, which included humiliating losses to rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
United is now sixth in the Premier League table, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.
During his stay at the club, Solskjaer also failed to win a trophy, coming close in the 2021 UEFA Europa League final, which his side lost on penalties to Villarreal. Despite this, he stated that he was satisfied with his work at Old Trafford.
The 48-year-old said: “Very, very proud. Of course, it’s one of those things you dream of in your life. When you’ve been a player, when you’ve been a reserve team coach, the next job then, the only dream and the only thing you haven’t done is to manage the club, and I have now.
“It’s been a ball, it’s been absolutely enjoyable from the first to the last minute, so I have to thank all the players because since I came in, they’re top lads, top people. Some have come, some have gone, but all of them, they’ve been such an enjoyable bunch to work with.
Solskjaer expressed gratitude for the chance: “First of all, I want to thank the board and the owners for giving me the opportunity because it’s not for everyone and I’ve had the opportunity.
I’m so honoured and privileged to have been trusted to take the club forward, and I really hope that I leave it in a better state than when I came. I’ve made great friends, I’ve reconnected with some great friends, new staff coming in I’ve become really good friends with.
“The other staff that was here when I was there, we’re good friends and we have connected and that’s what it’s about at a club like this. With the fans, the fans have been amazing. From day one at Cardiff until the last one now. [They’ve been] top, and we’ll see each other again.”
Solskjaer continued by appreciating the fans and revealed that he will be watching United from afar before seeking to return to football much later.
“I’ll spend some time with my family. That’s been probably the most difficult part, through the pandemic, with Norway being open and here being closed, my family moved back to Norway and the young one, he loves it back there, so we’ve lived apart.
“So, I’ll spend some time with them. Then, I’ll watch the team of course and hopefully, the next manager comes in and I want to support him.
“I want him to be successful, hopefully I’ve laid the foundations for that to happen because I know I’m good at what I’m doing. I’m a hundred per cent sure to create a football environment, that’s where I’m good at and at some point, I’ll probably be back [working in football].”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
