Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has expressed willingness to return to Manchester United as the club begins its search for a new manager following the departure of Ruben Amorim. United parted ways with the Portuguese coach on the morning of January 16, 2024, after a turbulent press conference where Amorim made it clear his ambitions extended beyond the coaching role.
“I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United. That is clear,” he stated following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road. With the club now seeking a replacement, Darren Fletcher has taken on caretaker responsibilities for their upcoming Premier League match against Burnley.
The situation presents an opportunity for Solskjaer, who managed United from December 2018 until November 2021, to step back into a role he is familiar with. According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, the former striker is interested in taking the interim position, regardless of how long it may last. Solskjaer has been without a managerial position since leaving Besiktas in the summer of 2023.
During his previous tenure at United, Solskjaer managed 168 matches, achieving 91 wins, 37 draws, and 40 losses. His final match was a demoralizing 4-1 defeat to Watford in the Premier League.
While the club evaluates its options, it appears they are not in a rush to finalize a decision. Reports suggest that United may consider Solskjaer for the interim role while also exploring other potential candidates. One of the names mentioned is Oliver Glasner, the current manager of Crystal Palace, who has made headlines for leading his team to their first major trophy—the FA Cup—last season.
After the match against Burnley, United will shift their focus to the FA Cup, where they will host Brighton at Old Trafford on January 21, 2024, before facing local rivals Manchester City in a derby match on January 27, 2024.
As the club navigates this managerial transition, fans eagerly await updates on potential appointments and the direction the team will take moving forward.
