Solskjaer Open to Manchester United Return as Club Weighs Interim Options
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is open to a potential return to Manchester United in a caretaker role as the club reshapes its coaching staff following the departure of Ruben Amorim. Darren Fletcher has been placed in temporary charge, but United are actively assessing short-term options ahead of a permanent appointment next season.
The Norwegian has not been contacted by the club, but reports indicate he would be willing to step back into the dugout if asked. It would echo the circumstances of his first appointment in December 2018, when he was drafted in as an interim replacement following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho.
Solskjaer’s previous reign ended abruptly in November 2021 after a heavy defeat to Watford capped a difficult start to the season. Despite the manner of his exit, his connection to United remains strong, nearly three decades after arriving at Old Trafford as a player in 1996.
The discussion comes at a moment of reflection for United, a club still searching for stability in the post Sir Alex Ferguson era. Solskjaer’s record has drawn renewed attention as the team compares recent managerial spells. Over nearly three years in charge, he delivered third and second-place Premier League finishes, reached at least five cup semi-finals, and posted a win percentage of 54.2 percent. That return stands up favorably against Erik ten Hag, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and significantly exceeds Amorim’s figures.
Old Trafford has rarely been a forgiving environment in recent seasons, and Solskjaer operated during a period dominated by elite rivals. Manchester City under Pep Guardiola and Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp set relentless standards, limiting the margin for error across the league.
Speaking to BBC Sport in November 2025, Solskjaer described his tenure as uniquely challenging, pointing to the quality of competition at the time. He emphasized that finishing second and third under those conditions reflected genuine progress, even if silverware ultimately proved elusive.
Matchday pressure, in his view, was part of the privilege of leading United. He highlighted the importance of staff cohesion and a positive working environment, while acknowledging that a poor six-week run was enough to end any manager’s reign at a club of United’s scale.
On the pitch, Solskjaer’s side was defined by transitions, quick attacking play, and the revival of key players. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial enjoyed some of their most productive periods under his management, while United consistently remained competitive deep into cup competitions.
As the season moves forward, United’s immediate focus is on maintaining control during the interim phase. Fletcher will oversee the short-term fixtures, but the club is expected to appoint an experienced figure to guide the team through the coming months.
Late developments suggest United are drawing up parallel shortlists. Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Enzo Maresca are linked with the permanent role, while former captain Michael Carrick has emerged as a candidate for an interim spell, having previously filled the position briefly in 2021.
For Solskjaer, the door is not closed. For United, the next decision carries familiar weight. Stability now could shape the direction of the club well beyond the final whistle of this season.