Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be in line for a stunning return to Manchester United
Despite his abrupt dismissal from Manchester United in 2022, it’s reported that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen on a return to Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim was sacked on Monday, leading the club’s top brass to appoint Darren Fletcher as interim manager while they evaluate potential permanent replacements.
However, the Norwegian could be in line to take the reins temporarily until the season’s end, a role Solskjaer is reportedly eager to fill. While some might argue that bringing back the Baby Faced Assassin is a step in the wrong direction, there’s no denying the affection Solskjaer holds for the club and continues to receive from supporters.
A six-month stint at Old Trafford could see Solskjaer tasked with stabilising the team ahead of a new manager’s arrival in the summer. However, with United vying for Champions League qualification and the FA Cup resuming this weekend, it could offer him a chance to leave his mark during his second tenure.
Despite his sacking, Solskjaer remained a popular figure in the United dressing room, with his influence still very much felt. The 52-year-old could still make a significant impact, particularly if he decides to focus on two key areas, should he land the top job once more.
Promotion of youth
Having spent 11 years playing under Sir Alex Ferguson, it’s hardly surprising that Solskjaer is a staunch advocate of nurturing young talent, a fundamental part of United’s ethos as a football club.
Their youth record continues to astound fans to this day as the club have remarkably featured an academy graduate in every single first-team matchday squad since October 30, 1937. This streak has surpassed 4,000 consecutive games, a tradition Solskjaer upheld during his tenure.
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Solskjaer gave 16 club youngsters their first-team debuts, including Amad and Anthony Elanga. Amorim also handed debuts to Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey this season, providing a clear pathway for the youth to the first team, a key aspect of both Solskjaer and United’s identity.
Persuading Bruno Fernandes
Arguably, Man United’s only overwhelmingly successful transfer since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 is Bruno Fernandes, who has been a game-changer since his arrival in 2020. With 309 appearances in the red shirt, he’s netted 103 goals and provided 94 assists.
While these impressive stats haven’t translated into significant success, United fans would shudder to think where they would be without their Portuguese captain. That was a scenario that almost became a reality last summer when Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal reportedly tabled a £100million offer for the 31-year-old, which was turned down.
In a recent interview, Fernandes confessed that he has contemplated leaving United and was upset by reports suggesting the club were willing to let him go. With Amorim’s exit, Fernandes has now served under three permanent managers, and Solskjaer – the gaffer who brought Fernandes to Old Trafford – may have his work cut out persuading the captain not to pursue a lucrative move to the Middle East.
Fernandes might be pleased with the return of his former manager, as he previously cited Solskjaer’s faith in him as a key reason for joining the club. A challenging task could lie ahead for the ex-striker if Fernandes is considering a move away this summer.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
