Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits he never liked the European Super League

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted he never liked the concept of a European Super League and proclaimed himself ‘very happy’ the project has collapsed.

Manchester United were one of 12 founder members of the breakaway competition but withdrew on Tuesday along with five other Premier League clubs amid a ferocious backlash from fans.

United’s co-chairman Joel Glazer, who was announced as one of the Super League’s vice-chairman, admitted the club ‘got it wrong’ after the idea spectacularly unravelled.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he is pleased fans’ voices were heard in objection to the breakaway European Super League competition

Speaking for the first time since its collapse, Solskjaer said: ‘I am very happy the fans have voiced their opinion and we have listened to them. 

‘In a strange sort of way, it has brought the football pyramid or community together and that is important. 

‘I am a supporter myself and there will be a day when I come back and watch Man United and I want to watch a United team even with a fear of failure. 

‘I didn’t like the concept anyway, it has to be on sporting merit, I want to earn the right to play in Europe.

‘We were pioneers and we were in Europe for many years, the Busby Babes. We want to be part of European campaigns. Some of my best nights we have worked really hard towards. 

‘But to get that, you need the fear of failure. You can’t just get it because your name is such and such. 

‘You have to step out of your comfort zone, a fear of failure, that wasn’t part of this.

‘I am very happy all the clubs have admitted their mistakes, it was a bad idea and the way it came out as well.’

Solskjaer attempted to move onto Sunday’s match against Leeds after an initial lengthy answer on the Super League but questions continued to punctuate the press conference.

‘You know what I’ve said about the Super League and I’m so happy that all the owners, all the clubs involved agreed that this was a mistake,’ he said.

‘I’ve always had a good working relationship with the club and the owners.

‘Of course behind the walls of the building we speak, they listened to my opinions and we’re working to move Man United forward, of course.’ 

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward resigned amid the Super League chaos and will leave at the end of the year.

Asked if he had also considered his future, Solskjaer said: ‘Football is emotions and emotions run high in football.

‘I’ve had a very, very good working relationship with Ed. The club will have to move on without him and I’m sure Man United will always move on.

‘I’ll work as long as Man United want me to work here and hopefully we can end this season successfully and Ed is part of that.’