I’m Upset: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals United biggest transfer mistake

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed the one player that he’s ‘upset’ that the club sold and suggested they were an ‘important’ member of the squad.

Solskjaer was sacked as United manager in 2021 and had to wait until February 2025 before he got back on the sideline. The Norwegian was named as Besiktas manager and has started his tenure on a high.

Despite his unceremonious departure from the club where he also spent 11 seasons as a player, Solskjaer admitted that he still looks out for the Red Devils’ results.

When asked if he still watches their games, he told The Athletic: ‘When I can. It’s still good to see Bruno Fernandes and Harry [Maguire] doing well.

‘And Scotty [McTominay] is doing well at Napoli. I’m upset that we let him go because he was important last season when he kept popping up with goals.

‘His heart and his knowledge of the culture were important’.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer embraces Harry Maguire during his time as Manchester United manager (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Scotland international McTominay left United for Serie A side Napoli in the summer and has enjoyed a stunning campaign, helping them sit top of the league table.

While McTominay has flourished at Napoli, United have struggled this season. Currently 14th on the log, questions have been asked about the tactics chosen by new manager Ruben Amorim.

Amorim have lost eight of his 16 league matches since taking charge at Old Trafford and Solskjaer was asked whether United need to be patient with the Portuguese boss. He responded: ‘That’s for the people at the top (of United), but an issue is that the manager plays with the previous manager’s players.

‘I just remember a great time at United apart from the last six weeks. Great people — and the culture is in the people. Going back to United was like going back to my family, like I’d never been away.

‘But Besiktas also feels like a family club, with respect for each other. There are members of staff who’ve been here for 10, 20, 30 years’.

United are currently struggling but the pressure valve was released a little at Old Trafford after Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Ipswich dragged Man United up to 14th in the Premier League table.

Though it’s been reported that some players are not pleased with Amorim’s game management, the Portuguese is not willing to back down on his playing style that worked at Sporting Lisbon.