Solskjaer Refuses to Be Drawn Into Mourinho’s Mind Games

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has played down his verbal exchange with Jose Mourinho, insisting he has no interest in engaging in mind games with the Tottenham boss.

United were preparing to host Tottenham in the Premier League, bringing Solskjaer up against the manager he replaced at Old Trafford in December 2018.

The exchange began after United’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Brighton, when Solskjaer joked about Mourinho’s recent complaint that the goalposts were too small ahead of Tottenham’s Europa League match against Shkendija.

Mourinho responded by suggesting Solskjaer was more concerned with the size of the penalty area, referring to the number of penalties Manchester United had been awarded.

Solskjaer, however, insisted the comments were light-hearted and said he had great respect for Mourinho.

“We are in strange times and sometimes you’ve got to have a bit of fun as well,” Solskjaer said.

“It’s just a couple of innocent comments, for me. Jose’s a very charismatic coach and manager.”

The Norwegian praised Mourinho’s achievements in football and admitted he had enjoyed watching his press conferences over the years.

“I’m not one of these that really goes into these mind games,” Solskjaer said. “I’ve got ultimate respect for him as a coach and, of course, his results and everything he has given football.”

He added that Mourinho had provided plenty of entertainment both on and off the pitch throughout his managerial career.

Solskjaer was also hoping captain Harry Maguire would recover from an ankle problem in time to face Tottenham.

Meanwhile, the United manager backed Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave Mason Greenwood out of the latest England squad.

Greenwood had previously been sent home from international duty alongside Phil Foden after breaching coronavirus protocols following his England debut against Iceland.

Solskjaer said the incident should serve as an important learning experience for the young striker.

“Mason is one of the top strikers of the future for England,” he said. “I’m sure he’s going to play many games for England.”

He added that Greenwood needed to reflect on his situation and continue working towards fulfilling his potential.