Sir Alex Ferguson's praise for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's willingness to give young players a chance has resurfaced as Manchester United consider bringing the Norwegian back following Ruben Amorim's dismissal. Solskjaer, who led United to third and second-place finishes in the Premier League, is being considered for a return alongside Michael Carrick, who left Middlesbrough over the summer.
During his three-year tenure, Solskjaer handed debuts to 16 academy graduates, including Amad, Anthony Elanga, and gave Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay over 100 appearances each. Ferguson told the BBC in early 2021: 'If you don't get results, there's questions to be asked. He is getting the results, he really has done very well. And what is really important for this club is to introduce young people, and he's given young players a chance.'
In contrast, Amorim was criticised for his handling of youngsters. He publicly questioned Kobbie Mainoo's commitment, stating the midfielder 'hasn't done enough in training' to warrant a regular spot. He was also scathing about Harry Amass, on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, claiming he was 'struggling in the Championship', and highlighted Toby Collyer's minimal playing time at West Brom.
Amorim justified his reluctance to give promising attacker Chido Obi a chance by noting he wasn't a regular starter for the under-21s. While his assessments may have been accurate, his public doubts about emerging talent are believed to have contributed to the club's decision to part ways.
