Share

Solskjaer: We don't have one bad apple

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says personality is key for him when signing a new player.

Solskjaer has made a particular point about signing players with the right character since taking over at the club in December 2018.

Harry Maguire was made captain soon after joining from Leicester, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Daniel James, Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo have all had an impact in the dressing room, as well as on the pitch.

Moves for the likes of Jack Grealish and James Maddison are also being carefully considered as Solskjaer seeks to maintain that balance between "ego and edge" and adaptability.

"I'd rather have a hole in the squad than an asshole," Solskjaer told United We Stand.

"Personality is so important. We're a team in a team environment. You want players to have a bit of ego and edge, but they have to be able to adapt.

"In March 2019, players were physically tired, mentally tired and we had injuries. The players started with negative thinking, whereas now it’s positive thinking.

"There were other things I didn’t like last year, some personal agendas which couldn't be sorted out until the summer.

"There will always be players who want to play more in football, but if a team is to be successful then players have to be available at different times.

"I feel in this group we don’t have one bad apple.

"When you win, everything is easy. It's when you hit difficult times that you can see who you want and who has the right mentality.

"We didn’t see that until after Paris when we went into a bad run. That's when I saw who I could build a long-term, successful squad around. You need some egos in football, but it has to be team first.

"I could see more and more at the end of the season what needed improving."

- TEAMtalk media

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2248 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE