Sir Alex Ferguson Apologised to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Over Cristiano Ronaldo Decision

• Sir Alex Ferguson once publicly disagreed with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo
• Ronaldo was a divisive figure during his short-lived second spell at the Theatre of Dreams
• Despite his attacking contributions, Solskjaer once in a while preferred other players

Former Manchester United Head Coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson offered an uncharacteristic apology to him during his reign in Manchester.

Solskjaer took over the United hot set from Jose Mourinho on an interim basis in 2018 and after initially impressing with a run of 14 wins in his first 19 games, he was given the job on a permanent basis.

However, the performances of the team dipped in 2021 despite the return of club legend Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese icon was meant to join Manchester City but the Red Devils swooped in at the last minute to resign their old striker.

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Ronaldo under Solskjaer

His return did not pan out as beautifully as expected, with many feeling that he was inhibiting a team that was in sync before his arrival. The five-time time Ballon d'Or winner had a stellar individual campaign but it did not entirely reflect on the club's league standings.

There were times Solskjaer preferred to leave Ronaldo on the bench, a decision that did not go down well with his loyalists led by Ferguson.

Ferguson openly criticised the Norwegian manager by saying, 'You need to play your best players.' However, as Sport Bible reports, the Scot reached out to Solskjaer immediately and apologised.

"That’s the one time Sir Alex has ever apologised to me. He rang me and apologised because he knows how difficult it is."

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Solskjaer was sacked midseason with Ralf Rangnick taking over. Ronaldo then later fell out with Erik ten Hag and moved to Saudi Arabia in January.

Solskjaer returns to Old Trafford

Sports Brief has also reported that Solskjaer was spotted at Old Trafford for the first time since his sacking.

Since his sacking in November 2021, Solskjaer decided to keep a low profile, but he showed his face during United’s clash against Wolves on Saturday, May 13.

Solskjaer was also in the presence of another United boss, who has fonder memories at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson.