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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Open to Manchester United Return Amid Managerial Turmoil

2024-09-26

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Open to Manchester United Return Amid Managerial Turmoil

In an unexpected twist in the world of football, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has expressed his willingness to return to Manchester United's managerial hot seat if called upon. The former United boss, who was dismissed in November 2021 after nearly three years in charge, stated that he would “say yes every day of the week” if approached by the club.

Since his departure from Old Trafford, Solskjaer, 51, has remained out of management. He initially joined the club as interim manager in December 2018, leading to a promising spell that saw him guide the team to a second-place finish in the 2020-21 season. However, it was a turbulent tenure marred by a lack of silverware and a dismal run of form that ultimately led to his exit. His last match in charge was a humiliating 5-0 loss to Liverpool, which added to a sequence of six defeats in eleven matches.

The current United manager, Erik ten Hag, is facing mounting pressure following a lackluster start to the season, securing only three wins out of eight. This turmoil has rekindled speculation about Solskjaer’s potential return to the helm. He emphasized his loyalty to the club during a recent Q&A at the Oslo Business Forum, noting, "It feels wrong to talk about jobs that other people have now, but if the family [United] asks, I would say yes, of course."

Since his exit, Solskjaer has been working as a technical observer for UEFA, recently contributing to the technical report for Euro 2024, held in Germany, where he engaged closely with the tournament. Alongside ties with clubs in Turkey and the Middle East, he has expressed interest in becoming Norway's national team coach once Ståle Solbakken steps down after the 2026 World Cup.

“I am a proud Norwegian, and of course if the question arises, when Ståle decides to give up, I will happily engage in discussions,” Solskjaer affirmed. This dual interest in club and national management highlights his enduring passion for football and his commitment to both Manchester United and Norway.

As tensions rise for the current Red Devils regime, could a Solskjaer comeback be on the horizon? Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, as the club navigates this critical phase in its storied history. Stay tuned for what could be the most surprising managerial move in the Premier League this season!