Lukaku to Herrera – 5 recent Man Utd departures and their comments on Solskjaer

With Manchester United in second place it's hard not to argue that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made progress at the club.

The former striker has had his ups and downs, sure, but since taking the reins from Jose Mourinho there has been a significant improvement.

Part of Solskjaer 's success has come in the transfer market. The Norwegian cleared the deadwood – Chris Smalling, Alexis Sanchez, Marcos Rojo – and brought in some fine talent.

Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan Bissaka have all arrived under Solskjaer's stewardship.

But what do those who left under his leadership have to say. Below are five players who were sold by Solskjaer – and their thoughts on the United boss.

Matteo Darmian

The Italian full-back left United for Parma but he's since been snapped up by Inter Milan.

Darmian spent four years at Old Trafford and was well liked by the club's staff.

Naturally, he only had good things to say about Solskjaer after his exit.

"I can only speak well about Solskjaer, believe me," Darmian told The Guardian. "I would give him a long-term contract.

"He’s a very prepared coach and Manchester United has started this project, this journey, with many young players, many British players and they will continue with this project.

"Because of the person I got to know, I hope Solskjaer has success at the club."

Romelu Lukaku

It was Lukaku's decision to leave United in 2019 and Solskjaer granted his request.

The Belgian striker is smashing it at Inter Milan so far. He's scored 57 goals in 81 appearances and his side currently sit top of Serie A.

In a recent Twitter Q&A, he too was complimentary of Solskjaer.

"He is doing great," he said.

"You guys have to know I love him as a manager and as a person and I wish him nothing but the best."

Ander Herrera

The one United let get away. While Ander Herrera was no Xavi the work he did in the United midfield was crucial. United, recklessly, let him leave on a free in 2019.

"I am a fan of Ole," Herrera told ESPN shortly after his exit.

"He has red in his heart. I think they have made some good decisions.

"There's still a way to go to fight for the title right now because I think Liverpool and Manchester City, they are very strong right now, but I think [Man United] are on the way.

"They have made some good decisions and they've signed some players who can give a lot to the club."

Chris Smalling

Before departing for Roma on loan, Smalling was asked about Solskjaer's manner. The defender was honest with his response.

"I think he [Ole] has got that sort of nasty side," he said.

"I think every manager has that, the so-called hairdryer treatment when things need a little turnaround."

Smalling soon learned about that ruthless side himself. Despite impressing on loan Smalling was unwanted by Soslkjaer.

Ashley Young

United's captain when he left the club in 2020. After nine years of service, Young, like so many before him, moved to Inter Milan.

He too spoke of Solskjaer prior to his exit and revealed the United boss isn't adverse to giving a rocket to players in the dressing room when necessary.

"But it was like I said before, when he arrived it was like the boss [Sir Alex Ferguson] had walked back through the door," Young told MUTV. "When he gets down the business, it's serious.

"At times in the dressing room, he's had to lose it, and I think that's right when things aren't going well. You need to be told that.

"He's got a nice side and a horrible side, which I feel you need. A lot is said about managers, but it's down to the players at the end of the day."

Antonio Valencia

While it's not about Solskjaer, Antonio Valencia did briefly speak about United after leaving the club in 2019.

At the time United were under performing and the former full-back opened up on how he struggled to watch his former side in action.

"I do not watch all of the games now. It is painful for me," he told The Athletic. ‘I try to watch but it makes me very sad.

"I have United in my heart: the city, the fans, 10 years of my life. It’s too hard to watch the defeats. I miss being there."

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