Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hit out at Robin van Persie as the Manchester United manager showed his ruthless side.
On a day when the Norwegian was visibly irritated by the latest scrutiny over Paul Pogba, he saved his most cutting barb for former United striker Van Persie.
The Dutchman, who inherited Solskjaer’s famous No20 shirt, criticised United’s manager for smiling during an interview after defeat to Arsenal on New Year’s Day.
Speaking on BT Sport, Van Persie said: “When I listen to Ole, he sounds like a really nice guy. I would like to see him a bit more mean at times, just be angry.
“I see him smiling now after a game like that. This is not the moment to smile.”
But Solskjaer suggested Van Persie was living in the past, saying: “I’m not in medieval times.”
He added: “I don’t know Robin and Robin doesn’t know me. He probably doesn’t have a right to criticise my management style and I won’t change. That’s definite.
“Yeah Robin, he took my No. 20 and that’s probably all he’s going to take from me as well.”
In reacting to Van Persie, Solskjaer became the latest United manager to engage in a public row with one of the club’s legends.
Louis van Gaal famously clashed with Paul Scholes as his Old Trafford reign was unravelling in 2016, accusing the ex-midfielder of influencing criticism from fans.
Jose Mourinho was also irritated by the number of former United players analysing his two and half years at the club.
Solskjaer’s connection with the 'Class of 92', in particular, has seen him afforded more patience among pundits, despite overseeing a troubled first full campaign in charge.
But Van Persie’s comments clearly struck a nerve, with the 1999 Treble-winning hero continuing his response even as he walked away from his Friday morning press conference.
