‘Some of them stopped running… and caring’, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as ex-Man Utd boss opens up on ‘lowest moment’

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER claims that some players “stopped caring” when he faced the sack at Manchester United.

The Norwegian was in charge at Old Trafford for three years before he was axed in November 2021.

AFP

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes some of his players gave up during his final game at Man Utd[/caption]

Solskjaer, 50, led United to a second and third place finish in the Premier League as well as a Europa League final during his tenure.

But due to a poor run of results and failing to win a trophy, he was sacked after a 4-1 defeat to Watford.

The Man Utd legend had seemingly lost the dressing room and believes some players had stopped putting effort in as he neared the end.

Solskjaer spoke to National News, revealing: “There were many lows. I’m one of them who looks back at the lows more than the highs.

“The end at Watford, well you can’t get lower than that.

“I more or less knew at half-time, so my team talk was about enjoying the last 45 minutes together and giving their all.

“Some of them had stopped running, caring.

“But then in the second half we played well. Donny van de Beek came on and scored. We should have scored more. Then we [Harry Maguire] got a sending off.

“It sounds really bad that it was a 4-1 defeat. It was bad to lose against Watford but it wasn’t a 4-1 game.”

On his sacking, he added: “It was a very emotional day. I didn’t think it would be but it was like leaving your family. I spoke to all the players, coaches and the staff to say goodbye.”

This is not the first time Solskjaer has criticised Man Utd players when lifting the lid on his departure.

He previously said players turned down the chance to wear the captain’s armband and signing Cristiano Ronaldo was an error.

Solskjaer is still without a job and turned down offers from Saudi Arabian clubs and national teams.