Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has turned down the opportunity to manage Iran at this winter’s World Cup.
The Norwegian is yet to return to management since getting sacked as United boss following a 4-1 defeat at Watford back in November.
The ‘baby-faced assassin’ was touted for the Aberdeen job by former Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicolas four months ago, but a move never came to fruition.
Solskjaer has kept a relatively low profile since his departure from United, but he was pictured alongside his former United assistant Michael Carrick to watch Ipswich Town.
The pair were showing their support for Kieran McKenna, Solskjaer’s first team coach during his time in charge at United, who is the Tractor Boys’ manager.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer turns down Iran job
According to Foot Mercato, the 49-year-old was the priority of the Iranian Football Federation..
But despite Solskjaer’s profile being highly regarded in Iran, the report states that United’s former striker has other short-term priorities and he won’t replace the recently departed Dragan Skočić.
The middle east nation will face Gareth Southgate’s England in their World Cup opener after being drawn alongside the Three Lions, Wales and USA in Group B.
Solskjaer’s other short-term priorities could well be a return to management at club level via England or another side in Europe.
With it being eight months since that chastening afternoon at Vicarage Road, the United legend will be carefully monitoring his next move.
While Solskjaer’s predecessor Ralf Rangnick didn’t fare any better last season, Manchester United fans will be encouraged with Erik ten Hag’s start to life at the helm.
The 52-year-old saw his side beat arch-rivals Liverpool 4-0 in his first game in charge of the club.
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