‘It’s petty,’ says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he reveals certain Man Utd stars asked NOT to be captain for certain games

MANCHESTER UNITED stars REFUSED the chance to wear the captain’s armband, ex-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shockingly revealed.

The former Red Devils striker and Treble winner made a triumphant return to Old Trafford as boss in December 2018.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has lifted the lid on his time at Manchester United[/caption]

Marc Aspland - The Times

Solskjaer made Harry Maguire captain when he first arrived[/caption]

Initially appointed on an interim basis, Solskjaer ended up getting the job permanently later that season.

He named Harry Maguire as captain in January 2020 after Ashley Young moved to Inter Milan.

The England defender kept the armband until Erik ten Hag passed it onto Bruno Fernandes on a permanent basis in the summer.

The Norwegian spoke about a number of topics, including the return of Cristiano Ronaldo, and his regrets over the club’s failed transfer strategy.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Solskjaer said: “No one said ‘No’ to being the club captain, it was just for certain games.

“They didn’t want to say it themselves, they had other people come up to me and say it.

“It was disappointing. It’s a different generation, its Gen Z.

“It’s petty and shows a lack of ambition.”

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A bewildered Gary Neville replied: “It makes me feel worried for them in the sense that, what state of mind are they in to actually turn down one of the greatest accolades you could have?

“I don’t think of it being weak, they must be in a bad place to be shrinking from the responsibility.”

Solskjaer did not name the players involved but did mention that current skipper Fernandes has some key leadership traits.

He said: “I knew Fernandes had captain qualities when I was manager at United.

“He’s got the personality and quality, but he knows and I’ve told him, that he’s too passionate at times and he loses a bit of control.

“I loved Maguire as a captain, he was the leader in that group for me when I was at the club.”

During Solskjaer’s appearance on the podcast, he also revealed the moment that he came to blows with ex-teammate Roy Keane.