Ole Gunnar Solskjaer names staff member who raised Ronaldo concerns and admits re-signing him was mistake
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United was a mistake. The former Red Devils boss also revealed a member of his coaching staff raised concerns about the transfer at the time. Solskjaer has admitted re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo was a mistakeGetty GettyRonaldo scored nine goals in 13 appearances for United under Solskjaer[/caption] Ronaldo made a dramatic return to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021. It came 12 years after he had left the club for Real Madrid following an initial six-year spell in England. However, then United assistant boss Kieran McKenna had reservations about the move. McKenna analysed Ronaldo’s final six matches for Juventus after being told of the potential signing. He then suggested to the Red Devils manager that they would be better off strengthening a different area of the pitch, Solskjaer has explained. Speaking to Norwegian outlet NRK, Solskjaer revealed McKenna asked: “How are we going to defend ourselves?” He went on to add: “It was probably a wrong choice for all of us. But we felt it was the right decision then and there.” Ronaldo scored nine goals in 13 appearances under Solskjaer following his return. However, the former United striker was sacked less than three months later in November 2021. Meanwhile, Ronaldo departed a year later on the eve of the 2022 World Cup after having his contract terminated. McKenna had concerns over the signing, Solskjaer has revealedGetty - Contributor As for McKenna, who had also been an assistant under Jose Mourinho following roles as a scout and under-18 manager, he stayed on under Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick. The Northern Irishman left to become manager of Ipswich in December 2021, though, his first senior managerial role. He has since guided the Tractor Boys back into the Premier League following back-to-back promotions. His side are 17th in the top flight having picked up their first win of the season at Tottenham on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United was a mistake.
The former Red Devils boss also revealed a member of his coaching staff raised concerns about the transfer at the time.
Ronaldo made a dramatic return to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021.
It came 12 years after he had left the club for Real Madrid following an initial six-year spell in England.
However, then United assistant boss Kieran McKenna had reservations about the move.
McKenna analysed Ronaldo’s final six matches for Juventus after being told of the potential signing.
He then suggested to the Red Devils manager that they would be better off strengthening a different area of the pitch, Solskjaer has explained.
Speaking to Norwegian outlet NRK, Solskjaer revealed McKenna asked: “How are we going to defend ourselves?”
He went on to add: “It was probably a wrong choice for all of us. But we felt it was the right decision then and there.”
Ronaldo scored nine goals in 13 appearances under Solskjaer following his return.
However, the former United striker was sacked less than three months later in November 2021.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo departed a year later on the eve of the 2022 World Cup after having his contract terminated.
As for McKenna, who had also been an assistant under Jose Mourinho following roles as a scout and under-18 manager, he stayed on under Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick.
The Northern Irishman left to become manager of Ipswich in December 2021, though, his first senior managerial role.
He has since guided the Tractor Boys back into the Premier League following back-to-back promotions.
His side are 17th in the top flight having picked up their first win of the season at Tottenham on Sunday.
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