Man Utd Eyes Shock Return of Fan Favorite to Rescue Crisis as Interim Boss
Manchester United are allegedly exploring the possibility of bringing back Ole Gunnar Solskjær in a temporary managerial capacity for the rest of the current campaign
Ruben Amorim's surprising departure on Monday has created a leadership void at United. While numerous permanent candidates have emerged quickly, sources indicate the club plans to install a temporary manager for the season's remainder before pursuing a permanent solution.
Solskjær has emerged as a frontrunner for this temporary position according to The Athletic, given his background and special relationship with the club.
The former forward dedicated his final 11 playing years to Old Trafford, establishing himself as a legendary figure through his dramatic injury-time goal against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final. Solskjær's coaching journey had been more humble, featuring a challenging period at struggling Cardiff City sandwiched between two tenures with Norwegian side Molde.
Following José Mourinho's acrimonious departure in December 2018, United appointed the "baby-faced assassin" initially as a temporary solution. Solskjær thrived in that caretaker role, securing victory in 14 of 19 matches, notably orchestrating a remarkable turnaround against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League knockout stage. This success led to his permanent appointment.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær's Man Utd Tenures
Metric | Interim | Permanent |
|---|---|---|
Period | Dec. 19, 2018—March 28, 2019 | March 28, 2019—Nov. 21, 2021 |
Matches | 19 | 149 |
Victory Rate | 73.7% | 53.3% |
Defeat Rate | 15.8% | 25.5% |
Goals Scored per Match | 2.1 | 1.9 |
Goals Allowed per Match | 0.9 | 1.2 |
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt.
Solskjær's tenure as United's permanent manager—a position that didn't suit Ruben Amorim—proved more challenging. The Norwegian did guide the team to third place in 2019–20 and subsequently to second place—José Mourinho remains the only other United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to achieve such heights.
Nevertheless, Solskjær isn't the sole contender for this temporary role.
Man Utd Consider Former Players for Interim Position—Report
Darren Fletcher has been named as United's immediate answer to the managerial vacancy for Wednesday's Premier League clash against Burnley. While it was previously suggested that the club's Under-18s manager wouldn't be considered for the extended interim position, The Athletic suggests otherwise.
Fletcher will allegedly receive "an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities" while Michael Carrick represents another potential candidate. Jonny Evans, who recently resigned from his position as head of loans and pathways in December, is rumored to be joining the coaching team for this temporary arrangement.