Aniket Rai
Solskjaer shares how Sir Alex Ferguson reacted to his first starting XI as Manchester United boss
While being interviewed (h/t Mirror) for a new book, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer talked about how Sir Alex Ferguson responded after seeing his first starting XI as United boss.
‘The First 100 Days: Lessons In Leadership From The Football Bosses’ is a book co-written by Dundee United boss, Micky Mellon. It is to raise money for Motor Neuron Disease.
And it features wonderful anecdotes from Sam Allardyce, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, David Moyes, and Sean Dyche about how to handle things when taking over a new club.
The Norwegian manager talked about how he sent his first starting XI to Ferguson the night before his debut as United’s manager. Sir Alex was supportive of him and wished him good luck for the game.
“I got a text from the manager (Sir Alex Ferguson) who said ‘Pick your team and sleep well.’ I sent him the players I was picking and I just got a message back: ‘That’ll do the job’.”
Making his mark
His first game in charge as United boss was against his former club, Cardiff City, in the Premier League. The Red Devils ran out 5-1 winners and set the tone for an inspiring managerial spell that was to follow.
The club then embarked on a mid-season trip to Dubai in the first few weeks of his managerial spell. And the gaffer revealed the two changes he brought in to the United squad there, including making the players wear suits again.
“During our trip to Dubai, we made 2 big changes. The first one was our system for the game against Tottenham… The second big thing was to bring back the suits. Those Tottenham players looked at them and thought ‘I want to play for Manchester United.’”
More Manchester United News:
- Transfer News: Solskjaer admits Diogo Dalot will return to Manchester United in the summer
- Manchester United News: Solskjaer praises miserliness at the back as a major factor in AC Milan triumph
- Manchester United fans react as Paul Pogba creates news on his return to Italy
United are now in a good spell as we sit 2nd in the league and in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League. With the club also active in the FA Cup, there is hope that Solskjaer finally breaks his duck and wins his first trophy at Old Trafford.
