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Ole Gunnar Solskjær has indicated he is open to returning to Manchester United as the club looks for an interim manager to take over for Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed over four years ago. Although Darren Fletcher will temporarily manage the team, the club plans to appoint a new manager before settling on a permanent successor ahead of the next season.
“More than open”
Solskjær’s last match ended in disappointment, culminating in his sacking the following day after a significant defeat to Watford. Despite this, he remains closely connected to Manchester United, nearly 30 years post his arrival as a player in 1996. According to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, Solskjær is “positive” about the possibility of returning to Old Trafford as an interim manager.
While there hasn’t been any formal contact from United so far, he is reportedly receptive to the opportunity should it arise, reminiscent of his initial stint as interim manager, which lasted almost three years following the departure of José Mourinho.
The grass isn’t always greener
Many fans expressed frustration over the lack of significant achievements during Solskjær’s tenure from December 2018 to November 2021. Despite not securing any trophies, he was more consistent than his two immediate successors. In his two full seasons, Solskjær led the team to a third and second-place finish in the Premier League, advanced to several cup semi-finals, and showcased the talents of players like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. His winning percentage of 54.2% is slightly lower than Erik ten Hag’s 54.7%, yet he played significantly more matches and performed better than Amorim’s 38.1%. He also outperformed David Moyes (52.9%) and Louis van Gaal (52.4%).
Although their performances didn’t meet the lofty standards set by Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United was not as poor as the perspective suggests. Among the coaches since Ferguson’s retirement, Solskjær seemed most aligned with what could be seen as the true essence of the “United Way.”
Solskjær takes charge of Manchester United at ‘worst time’
Reflecting on his time managing the club in 2025, Solskjær noted the significant challenges he faced while trying to assemble a successful squad in the shadow of both Manchester City and Liverpool, who were at their best.
“It’s not to take credit, but it was the worst time to be a manager at Manchester United,” he stated, acknowledging the top-tier competition he faced.
He characterized the pressure of his role as a “privilege,” emphasizing the honor it was to lead Manchester United, which involved being the face of the team, responsible for its supporters and players. He acknowledged that enjoyment at work doesn’t matter if results aren’t achieved, explaining that a disappointing stretch of six weeks prompted the club’s decision to make changes.
Manchester United drawing up provisional shortlist
Darren Fletcher is expected to manage the team for at least this week, but United’s strategy seems to be finding someone to lead them over the coming months before making a permanent choice. Names under consideration include Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and the recently appointed Enzo Maresca. Former United captain Michael Carrick has also surfaced as a possible candidate, having served as caretaker manager for three matches in 2021 until the club appointed Ralf Rangnick.
Fan Take
This development is significant for soccer fans as it signals a potential shift in Manchester United’s quest to restore its former glory, underlining the ongoing pressures and expectations placed on clubs at the highest level. The situation could also impact the landscape of managerial appointments in the Premier League, with former stars potentially leading their clubs during transitional phases, which often defines a team’s future success.
