'Man Utd manager snapped at me over newspaper headlines – I could never read him'

This legendary Manchester United boss was known for a rather short but effective fuse, with one of his star forwards feeling the brunt of a misunderstanding in 2000

Legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson once snapped at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – who lauded the former manager for his unreadability.

The Scotsman, who reigned at Old Trafford for 27 years from 1986 to 2013, was never one to shy away from clashing with his players. And the normally level-headed Solskjaer was no exception.

Known as a ‘super-sub’, the Norwegian often found himself out of Ferguson’s starting XI due to his effectiveness from the bench. He spoke about his status as the club's super sub to the media in 2000, but the point of his message was mistranslated and reporting as a dig by English paper.

It left Ferguson furious. Solskjaer, 51, who would go on to sit in the very same dugout as Sir Alex, recalled the bitter interaction the two shared.

“In December 2000, I was in form and scored in four different league games,” Solskjaer began, speaking in Bring On United. “ Then we played Newcastle away in the final game of the year. It was one I didn’t score in. We got a penalty and I should have taken it. Becks took it and put it in the top right corner.

“I was thinking that I might be player of the month. I did an interview with the Norwegian press that was translated into some of the British newspapers and spun into headlines that were way worse than what I’d said.

“The question to me was: ‘Now that you are a regular ...’ and I answered, ‘No, not really, I’ll probably be on the bench soon and I don’t look at myself as a regular.’

“The gaffer came to see me and he snapped big time because it was on the back of all the newspapers that I’d said he’d probably leave me out soon. I think he only read the headlines.”

Ferguson didn't seem impressed by Solskjaer's attitude, who felt the full force of his manager's fury. However, he still credits the Scotsman for imposing his edge, even in that situation.

“He then looked at me as a defeatist who accepted being a sub instead of pushing on and saying that I should play every game,” the Norwegian added.

“But, for me it was a way of saying that I’m loyal to whatever the gaffer does and doing whatever I’m asked to. One of the beauties of the manager was that you could never read him.’”

Bring On United is available to order now in hardback version, ebook and audio following its release on November 7, 2024.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Get the new Man Utd kit

Get the new Man United 2024/25 kit now!
Adult sizes from £80

United have unveiled their new adidas home kit with new front-of-shirt sponsors for the 2024/25 season - and you can get your hands on it right now.

Fanatics
Get it here