wilson88 Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted his decision to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus in 2021 was a mistake, insisting it was only to prevent him from moving to Manchester City. wilson88

The Red Devils have re-signed the Portuguese superstar after his £80m move to Real Madrid in 2009, beating out rivals Pep Guardiola’s side for the signature. ( wilson88 )

The veteran has enjoyed a fine first season since returning to the Premier League, scoring 24 goals in 18 games in all competitions.

But Ronaldo has transformed from a key figure in Solskjaer’s team to a player outside Erik ten Hag’s plans. 

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was heavily criticised after leaving Old Trafford before the game was over.

Amid the rumors, Ronaldo dropped a huge bombshell when he joined Piers Morgan in an interview, saying he has no respect for Ten Hag.

Speaking at the Oslo Business Forum, Solskjaer admitted there were fears Ronaldo would outscore Erling Haaland if he moved to the Etihad.

However, Solskjaer admitted Ronaldo’s arrival had an impact on the United dressing room, with some players feeling less important.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world in the last 15 years. I played with him, I played with Manchester United, he has a history with the club and he is leaving Juventus, but we can’t give him to Man City because he will score more goals than Erling Haaland.”

“I spoke to Cristiano, we brought him to Manchester United but I think maybe that affected the dressing room, the energy in the dressing room.”

“Maybe other players feel less important because of course he is one of the superstars in the world.”

“He was doing well, he was the top scorer with 24 goals or something, but then I lost my job 10 weeks later!”