If they were to do it again in the Europa League final against Villarreal, what would it be?
"I watched that game and thought Nemanja Matic should have been brought on. At that time, I didn't choose him because I thought others would be better. It's difficult to leave out a position in the squad because you have to accept the risk. I agree with that.
There were times when that risk brought results, typically the 2-1 win over Wolves at the end of the 2020-2021 season. The young players I trust in that match played with great spirit to maintain the proud unbeaten record away from home.
Criticism on social media when saying that Solskjaer's M.U is a team that only plays defensive counter-attacking
My colleagues and I in the coaching staff are all in agreement that in order to attack well, the team needs to defend well first. Manchester United always wants to put pressure on opponents like Manchester City or Liverpool even when they do not have enough squad due to injuries. Normally, we do quite well in this regard.
When I was in charge, I always wanted the players to play with a high intensity, which required a very high physical level. Everyone saw Man United playing like a counter-attacking defense, but if we were in the best condition, we could have completely controlled the match against tough opponents like Tottenham, Brighton or Everton of Carlo Ancelotti. The clearest proof is Marcelo Bielsa's destructive home victories over Leeds (6-2 and 5-1).
It is not always that Manchester United is recognized for their ability to attack or defend in an organized way. Football is changing every day and it is no longer the same as when I was in charge of the club. At one point, the winning formula was just the speed, strength, personality and individual talent of the players. Now, the teams focus more on exploiting the opponent's penalty area, attracting opponents and punishing them when finding space.
In the 1980s or 1990s, you could be carried out by your coach if you were careful with your passes across the goal. Now, that's normal."
Who is the best contract?
"It's Bruno Fernandes, he has elevated the club. With Harry Maguire, I feel sad because he is being criticized a lot. However, Maguire is a strong player and I believe everything will be fine and then it will come.
There is a problem that always surrounds me in each transfer period, which is how much money is earned (selling players) and how much will the team spend, who can they buy? I just thought, I would do everything Manchester United could beat Manchester City and Liverpool.
I was very selfish when I kept McTominay. At that time, I thought he should have been loaned to Derby County in 2019, so he would have more playing opportunities. Finally, when McTominay played well in the win over PSG, Fred arrived. McTominay and Fred have formed a good couple in the midfield. Only then did I feel like I was right."
What do you think about some players who are said to have betrayed?
"I see some players who do not have the right awareness of themselves. I don't mind mentioning them but it's disappointing that two players have flatly refused the opportunity to be captains of Manchester United. Some people even said that they will not compete or practice and just want to find a way to dig aau.
There are many stories in the media saying that I don't treat some players well, that is completely untrue. I always keep a fair relationship with everyone".
On the issue of Glazer still owning Manchester United
"In my last conversation with them, the owners showed honesty and frankness. I have always been patient and steadfast when receiving support from them. Now, the owners are showing the same thing for Ten Hag.
It is their right for fans to protest the Glazer owners. When I was at Manchester United, I was stopped by security when I wanted to talk to the fans who were protesting. I still find a way to listen to them and those are very positive stories. Talking to fans is always a part of the job of every Manchester United coach.
Except for the away loss to Watford, I don't remember when fans have expressed negative attitudes. If so, it often comes from uncontrolled comments on social media. When I left the pitch after the loss to Watford, for the first time I felt I had no support. That 1-4 score is hard for them to swallow".
Is Jadon Sancho's contract worth it?
"I admit I want to sign a contract with Sancho. Manchester United will not bring any players if the coach does not like them. Sancho was chosen by the scouts as the number 1 priority on the right wing. Looking at his performance, I have no doubt.
Unfortunately, things did not go as planned. Sancho was hospitalized for injury treatment at the beginning of his time at Man United. He was a very talented person but during that process, we didn't admire him at all. something uncomfortable happened when Sancho likes to play on the left wing of Marcus Rashford".
Why did M.U slide after Solskjaer was officially signed instead of interim?
"At that time, there were some players who wanted to leave. The team has very high requirements, so many players have been injured because they cannot withstand that intensity. Although it has not met expectations, in my 2 full seasons, Manchester United has ranked 2nd and 3rd overall.
Everyone should have high expectations for Erik ten Hag, he will succeed. If there is a difficult period, I believe Ten Hag will overcome it. It is difficult for anyone to take over a club of great coaches, such as Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson, Valeriy Lobanovskyi with Dynamo Kiev or Rosenborg with Nils Arne Eggen".
