Manchester United are reportedly close to making a surprise appointment, with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær emerging as the clear front-runner to take over as interim manager.
Ruben Amorim was sacked on Monday following a bombshell interview following the draw with Leeds United.
What followed was a 24-hour period of drama and speculation, with multiple media outlets claiming the Norwegian was in advanced talks to return to the Old Trafford dugout just over four years after leaving the club.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær nears return to Old Trafford
According to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Solskjaer is now the frontrunner for the interim role following “advance discussions” with club executives.
Momentum is clearly shifting towards a reunion, although United officials stress that no final decision has been made and a formal face-to-face meeting is still required.
Jacobs points out that other names such as Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy are still on the table, but Solskjær’s availability and deep links with the club put him at the front of the queue.
Importantly, the 51-year-old appears to have the changing room on his side. As reported by talkSPORT, Solskjaer has received support from several key first-team figures, with captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Harry Maguire in particular named as supporters of his return.
Jacobs also highlighted that “prominent club legends” support the move.
The club insists a thorough process with multiple candidates is underway, but talkSPORT reports Solskjaer is now the clear frontrunner to stabilize the squad for the remainder of the season.
Ole Gunnar’s first stint at Manchester United
Solskjær’s potential return reflects the situation in which he first took over in December 2018, when he was appointed as caretaker manager, replacing Jose Mourinho.
That spell is fondly remembered by fans for its immediate impact. Solskjaer secured his permanent job in March 2019 after winning his first eight games and orchestrating a miraculous return to the Champions League against PSG.
His three-year tenure has restored identity to the team and led United to back-to-back top-four finishes, including second place in the Premier League in 2020/21.
He also led the team to the 2021 Europa League final, but the team suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Villarreal on penalties.
Despite building a team that delivered moments of brilliance, he failed to win a silver medal and his reign ended in November 2021 after a heavy defeat to Watford.
Now he may have a second chance to finish what he started.
