In an interview with The Athletic earlier this month, Solskjaer revealed that a couple of players turned down the chance to become United captain in January 2020.
He said: No. Not really [players didn’t throw me under the bus]. Some weren’t as good as their own perception of themselves.
“I won’t name names, but I was very disappointed when a couple turned down the chance to be captain.
“I was also disappointed when others said they wouldn’t play or train because they wanted to force their way out.
“There was stuff in the media after I left about how I treated some players, which were complete lies, but I had a solid, honest relationship with most of them.”
Ashley Young started the 2019/20 season as club captain but left for Inter Milan during the winter transfer window.
The Sun have reported that Pogba and Rashford were the two players who said no to succeeding Young before Maguire became the permanent skipper.
A source allegedly revealed: “Paul Pogba was offered it but said he wanted to leave the club, so turned it down.
“Rashford was also asked to take the captaincy, but he said he didn’t think he was ready for it.”
Pogba’s refusal over his wish to leave United is striking, considering he remained at the club for two years after the armband changed hands.
But Rashford’s reluctance to take on the mantle may come as a concern to Ten Hag, who is desperate to change the culture at Old Trafford by filling the dressing room with strong characters.
