Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer privately feared his own squad would cost him his job, reportedly telling backroom staff "this lot will get me sacked" during his tenure at Old Trafford.
The Struggle to Revive United's Glory Days
Solskjaer, a legendary figure at the club from his playing days between 1996 and 2007, returned as manager in 2018 with the monumental task of reviving the success of the Sir Alex Ferguson era. His appointment followed the struggles of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and Jose Mourinho, none of whom had managed to consistently deliver silverware after Ferguson's 2013 retirement.
Despite initial optimism, the Norwegian's managerial spell, which lasted until November 2021, proved challenging. He guided United to a sixth-place Premier League finish in his first campaign, followed by a third-place finish the next season. The 2020/21 campaign saw United finish as runners-up to rivals Manchester City and reach the Europa League final, only to lose to Villarreal on penalties.
Mounting Tensions and Eventual Dismissal
However, a dismal start to his fourth season in charge led the United board to dismiss Solskjaer in November 2021. Reports now suggest the manager had anticipated this outcome. According to revelations, Solskjaer repeatedly expressed his fears to staff about the squad's impact on his job security.
It is further alleged that particular tensions existed with high-profile players including Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba. Solskjaer is said to have branded some former players as 'snowflakes' in conversations after his departure.
This contrasts with his public statements while in charge. In January 2021, Solskjaer dismissed suggestions of a rift with Pogba, telling The Guardian: "I've never had a problem with him. I talk openly and directly with Paul... I have always had a good relationship with him." He later praised Martial's talent, calling him "unplayable" on his day.
A Continued Cycle of Instability
Following Solskjaer's exit, Michael Carrick briefly took interim charge before Ralf Rangnick saw out the 2021/22 season. Erik ten Hag then took over in May 2022, lasting two years before being succeeded by current boss Ruben Amorim in November 2024.
Amorim's first season was historically poor, with United finishing 15th in the Premier League, though the current campaign has offered some renewed optimism. The club's ongoing search for stability continues, with the latest revelations shedding light on the internal pressures faced during one of the post-Ferguson era's most emotionally charged tenures.
Manchester United's next challenge is a Premier League fixture away at Aston Villa's Villa Park on Sunday, 21 December.
