Man Utd’s statement on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as ex-manager hints at return

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has remained without a job since leaving Manchester United in November 2021 – and the club’s parting statement suggests he could be welcomed back

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that he would be open to returning to Manchester United – and it seems the feeling could be mutual.

Solskjaer has been out of management since being sacked by United in November 2021. The former United striker has turned down offers from Saudi Arabia and the MLS and instead been working as a technical observer to UEFA while spending more time with his family in Norway.

But a lot of water has now flown under the bridge and with Erik ten Hag under pressure once again amid the threat of being sacked by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the timing of Solskjaer’s comments are head-turning. “If the family [United] asks, I would say yes every day of the week,” he said in a Q&A at the Oslo Business Forum. “It feels wrong to talk about jobs that other people have now, but I would say yes, of course.”

Solskjaer did also open himself up for the Norway national team job – a position Stale Solbakken is expected to vacate at the end of their 2026 World Cup campaign. “I am a proud Norwegian, and of course if the question arises, when Stale decides to give up, I will happily engage in discussions,” Solskjaer added. “I am a proud Norwegian and proud of where I come from.”

Solskjaer is also a proud United alumni, having scored 126 goals in 366 games as a player and won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League. Even under the dire circumstances in which he was sacked as manager, the statement United released showed the depth of feeling between the two parties.

“Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision,” the statement said. “Ole leaves with our sincerest thanks for his tireless efforts as Manager and our very best wishes for the future.

“His place in the club’s history will always be secure, not just for his story as a player, but as a great man and a Manager who gave us many great moments. He will forever be welcome back at Old Trafford as part of the Manchester United family.”

HAVE YOUR SAY! Could Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ever return to Manchester United as manager? Comment below.

Solskjaer has previously hinted that he feels he has unfinished business at United. Asked by The Athletic in September 2023 what he felt about his spell as manager, he replied: “Well, there’s something missing: a trophy. One penalty could have changed that (in the shootout defeat to Villarreal in the Europa League final) and my time there would be viewed differently.”

And asked if he wanted to return to management, Solskjaer said: “Yes, and I’ve had offers. Most recently, two from Saudi Arabia. My best mate, who is also my agent, sifts through them. If you’ve managed Man United, you put your own criteria about what you want to work with.

“I love England and the Premier League. Even the Championship feels stronger than ever, but I don’t feel bound to England. Maybe a different challenge where I need to experience a new culture and learn a new language.”

Solskjaer might be keen, but United have moved on under Ratcliffe’s reign – and his name wasn’t among those floated in the summer while the British billionaire searched for Ten Hag replacements. Ratcliffe is very unlikely to go back, with his decisions informed by his hard-nosed business sense, not the romantic notion of a returning son.

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