The former United boss, who spent three years in charge at Old Trafford, returned to management in early 2025 by taking over at the Turkish club. However, he still follows his former team when possible and enjoys seeing players like Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire performing well.
One departure that frustrated Solskjaer was McTominay’s £25m move to Napoli. The Scottish midfielder, who spent his entire career at United before leaving, has been a key player for Antonio Conte’s side as they push for the Serie A title.
“I’m upset we let him go,” Solskjaer told The Athletic. “He was important last season, always popping up with goals. His heart and understanding of the club’s culture were valuable.”
Despite his lingering attachment to United, Solskjaer is fully committed to his new challenge in Turkey. He spoke about Besiktas’ passionate fanbase, recalling how 12,000 supporters made it feel like 40,000 in an away cup game.
Besiktas, Turkey’s first club to compete internationally, holds a deep connection with its community, something Solskjaer sees as similar to United. He emphasized his role in developing both players and staff, ensuring they maximize their potential.
His decision to join Besiktas came after previous discussions with the club. This time, the president’s vision of restoring the club’s identity built on values, respect, and attacking football—convinced him to take the role.
Before accepting the Besiktas job, Solskjaer revealed he had turned down at least 40 offers, waiting for the right opportunity. “I needed the right project. I’m a people-person; I want to build something meaningful,” he explained.