Manchester United owner Joel Glazer ‘so upset’ with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer criticised

Man Utd: Fans protest against Glazers outside Old Trafford

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Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been criticised for his mindset by football finance expert Kieran Maguire. The Norwegian recently claimed that trophies were for egos. And Maguire thinks he’s similar to Ed Woodward in failing to acknowledge the grand ambitions of the club.

Manchester United have had Solskjaer as their permanent manager ever since March 2019, when he was appointed following a successful run as interim boss.

He’s done well at Old Trafford, too, and is on course to steer the club into the top four for the second season on the trot.

Speaking recently, however, Solskjaer raised eyebrows by insisting trophies are an ‘ego thing’.

“I’ve been here for two and a half of those years and coming in as I’ve said so many times I felt a big rebuild had to be made,” said the 48-year-old.

“In the league position you see if there’s any progress for me, that’s always the bread and butter of the season that you see how capable you are of coping of ups and downs any cup competition can give you a trophy but sometimes it’s more of an ego thing from other managers and clubs to finally win something.

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“But we need to see progress and if we perform well enough the trophies will end up at the club again. It’s not like a trophy will say that we’re back, no.”

And Maguire has now slammed Solskjaer for those comments, while also claiming Joel Glazer was ‘so upset’ at seeing Woodward resign.

The 49-year-old announced his decision to leave Old Trafford behind after the recent European Super League fiasco.

And Maguire told Football Insider: “Ed Woodward was perfect for the Glazers.

“You can see why Joel Glazer was so upset when he tendered his resignation.

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“Woodward said winning on the pitch is irrelevant to commercial success. He’s got a manager who has the same philosophy.

“Solskjaer said before United played against Milan that winning trophies is just for egos. He means that winning trophies is an irrelevance.

“That’s very much the same attitude at board level. That’s the problem at the club.”

Solskjaer, obviously, wants a trophy.

But the departure of Woodward, for all his shortcomings, could have a big impact on the club’s summer transfer window.

He insisted he was proud of his legacy at United, saying last week: “I am extremely proud to have served United and it has been an honour to work for the world’s greatest football club for the past 16 years.

“The club is well positioned for the future and it will be difficult to walk away at the end of the year.

“I will treasure the memories from my time at Old Trafford, during a period when we won the Europa League, the FA Cup and the EFL Cup. I am proud of the regeneration of the club’s culture and our return to the Manchester United way of playing.

“We have invested more than £1bn in the squad during my time here and I am particularly delighted with the progress the players have made under the astute leadership of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his coaching team in the last two years.

“I am sure that with the changes we have made on-field and to the coaching and football staff in recent years this great club will soon be lifting silverware again. It deserves to.

“I desperately wanted the club to win the Premier League during my tenure and I am certain the foundations are in place for us to win it back for our passionate fans.

“Our world-famous academy is flourishing again, with 34 players progressing into the first team since 2013, and it has been a pleasure to watch talents such as Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Axel Tuanzebe flourish in the first team environment. In the years to come the club’s production line of young talent will continue to push established first team players for their places. That competition bodes well for the future.

“We have also established Manchester United Women and their progress is further evidence of the demand for success at this great club.

“The last 16 months have brought so many unique challenges and the club’s work in the community and around the world during the Covid-19 pandemic has been heroic.

“The financial impact on football clubs has been severe, but United have been one of the most robust and resilient in the face of extraordinary financial pressures.

“I would like to thank United’s passionate fans for their support during the good and bad times. I know this has been a challenging period in our history, but your support for the team has never, ever been in doubt.

“Finally, it has been a pleasure to work with so many magnificent, talented and hard-working people.”

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