Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could sign 5 Man Utd stars after finally landing new job

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has returned to management for the first time since leaving Manchester United with Besiktas but could raid his former club for January recruits

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is finally back in the dugout – over three years after his Manchester United exit.

The Norwegian was sacked by the Red Devils in November 2021 and has bided his time before returning to football. But he has now been confirmed as the new head coach of Turkish giants Besiktas.

Solskjaer certainly has a big job on his hands in Istanbul. Besiktas already find themselves 20 points behind Galatasaray – who have only dropped four points all season – in the race for the Turkish crown.

But he could receive a helping hand from his former employers as he attempts to turn things around with his new club. Take a look at five Man United players that Solskjaer could take with him to Besiktas either in January or in the summer:

Victor Lindelof

Once upon a time a £31m defender, Swedish centre-back Victor Lindelof looks set to leave Old Trafford for nothing. The 31-year-old finds himself way down the pecking order at United having made just five Premier League outings this term.

His contract is up at the end of the campaign and a fresh start looks best for all parties. Lindelof has been linked with a Premier League move – Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester among those reportedly interested.

But a call from Solskjaer might tempt him into moving to Turkey. And while he hasn’t had the best time of things recently, he would be an excellent signing for Besiktas.

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Christian Eriksen

Another out of contract at the end of the season, Christian Eriksen’s time at Old Trafford looked limited following the signing of Manuel Ugarte and emergence of Kobbie Mainoo. The 32-year-old has already been linked with a few clubs including Celtic.

He is already able to launch talks with foreign clubs and it would not be a surprise to see Besiktas be one of those. But in the meantime, Ruben Amorim has told the Dane he needs to keep performing.

He said: “It depends on the players, the work they do. He has the quality to make that kind of pass and we need all the players to win games, 10 minutes or 90 minutes all the players are important to change the course of the season.”

Antony

Away from those out of contract at the end of the campaign, Besiktas could potentially make a move for some that United would be happy to sell. One man right at the top of that list is Brazilian winger Antony.

The former Ajax man has been a disaster at Old Trafford since a big-money switch from the Eredivisie and did himself no favours by missing an open goal against Southampton. Besiktas however might face competition for Antony’s services.

Spanish side Real Betis are interested in him and are thrashing out the terms of a potential loan deal that will see his United nightmare finally brought to an end.

Marcus Rashford

Speaking of wingers in talks to leave, Marcus Rashford’s future looks far away from Old Trafford. The academy graduate has been completely cut from the squad by Amorim and looks sure to leave.

Italian side AC Milan emerged as the initial favourites to sign him, while Borussia Dortmund are now contenders for his services. Should he move to Besiktas, he would be reunited with Solskjaer after a particularly fruitful spell under the Norwegian.

Rashford, still just 27, made 135 appearances under his former boss, scoring 55 goals – more than under any other manager in his career. If Solskjaer could get any sort of form out of him with Besiktas, then he has an excellent player on his hands.

Casemiro

Already linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, Casemiro looks highly likely to leave Old Trafford. He never played under Solskajer – Erik ten Hag instead signing him from Real Madrid.

He would not be out of place at Besiktas though. Casemiro would play alongside countryman and ex-Arsenal man Gabriel Paulista, while Portuguese speakers Gedson Fernandes, Joao Mario and Rafa are already at the club.

There might be a significant roadblock however: Casemiro’s huge wages. But there is no doubt that he would be a quality addition and would be able to show his talent in the slower pace of the Turkish Super League.

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