Manchester United are reportedly considering a sensational return for former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a temporary basis. This follows the club's decision to sack manager Ruben Amorim on Monday, with Darren Fletcher initially stepping in as caretaker.
A Potential Second Stint at Old Trafford
Despite his abrupt dismissal in 2022, it is understood that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is open to the idea of returning to the club he served as both a player and a manager. The Norwegian is being eyed for an interim role until the end of the season, a position he is said to be eager to take on.
A six-month tenure could focus on stabilising the squad ahead of a permanent appointment in the summer. With United still competing for Champions League qualification and the FA Cup campaign resuming, it offers Solskjaer a chance to make a tangible impact during a second spell in charge.
Upholding the United Ethos: Youth and Fernandes
Should he return, Solskjaer's philosophy would likely align with core Manchester United values. A key pillar of his previous tenure was a steadfast commitment to youth development, a principle ingrained during his 11 years playing under Sir Alex Ferguson.
During his time as manager, Solskjaer handed first-team debuts to 16 academy graduates, including players like Amad and Anthony Elanga. This continued the club's remarkable record of fielding an academy graduate in every matchday squad for over 4,000 consecutive games.
Another critical task would involve captain Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder, who has scored 103 goals and provided 94 assists in 309 appearances, was signed by Solskjaer in 2020. Recent reports suggested Fernandes was subject to a £100million offer from Al-Hilal last summer, which United rejected.
With the player having admitted to contemplating his future, Solskjaer's return could be pivotal in persuading his former signing to stay, capitalising on the strong relationship they built during his initial transfer to Old Trafford.
The Road Ahead for United
Solskjaer remains a popular figure within the club, and his potential interim appointment is seen as a move to provide stability during a period of transition. The coming weeks will be crucial as the club's hierarchy evaluates its long-term options while navigating a demanding season finale.
The final decision will hinge on whether the board believes Solskjaer's affinity for the club and his prior experience can steer United successfully through the remainder of the campaign and influence key personnel decisions, most notably regarding the future of Bruno Fernandes.
