Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now reportedly on the verge of a sensational — and unexpected — return to Old Trafford in the aftermath of Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United sacking.
According to Norwegian outlet Verdens Gang (VG) on Wednesday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has held talks with Manchester United over the caretaker managerial role.
The newspaper reports that an ‘agreement’ between the Red Devils and the beloved 52-year-old United legend is ‘being negotiated’ after Ruben Amorim’s club exit.
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It is believed that movement has now been made over a ‘contract’ for former United manager Solskjaer, which would be signed with the Premier League club on Friday.
VG claims that Solskjær will be in Molde, Norway, for the funeral of former Norwegian manager Age Hareide ahead of returning to England to sign his contract.
United In Focus has now compiled five major reasons why the return of Solskjaer could be perfect for United for the remainder of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
1. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now a much more experienced Man Utd pick, similar to Ralf Rangnick
This is not Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first rodeo as Manchester United caretaker manager, having assumed the role back in 2018 when Jose Mourinho was sacked.
Not only did the United treble-winning legend steady the ship in the 2018-19 campaign, but Solskjaer also succeeded Jose Mourinho on a permanent basis.
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However, Solskjaer’s potential return to Old Trafford would come with his wealth of knowledge from his permanent United run and brief spell at Turkish side Besiktas.
The Norwegian’s experience would make him an ideal choice, similar to Ralf Rangnick’s spell at RB Leipzig giving the German credence before his interim United spell.
2. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer provides Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe with breathing room for a permanent succession plan
Bouncing off the previous point, Solskjaer’s role for the next six months could be critical for Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe in not losing control of the Red Devils.
Ruben Amorim’s sacking at United has thrown a spanner in the works for Ineos since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s regime handpicked him to replace Erik ten Hag in 2024.
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Both Ratcliffe and Ineos need time on their side — and breathing room from the fury of United fans — to appoint the ‘right’ figure to succeed Amorim permanently.
Solskjaer could be the key for the second half of the 2025-26 Premier League season to allow Ineos to minimise the disruption to their long-term plans at United.
3. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s aura can shift the Old Trafford mood for Man Utd fans
Solskjaer’s status as a fan-favourite United legend and his positive aura is arguably needed more than ever after the turbulence of Amorim’s reign at the club.
The former United forward’s sensational run as caretaker manager in the 2018-19 season felt like it had been lifted from the pages of the perfect fairy-tale story.
Darren Fletcher is already facing the immediate aftermath of the mood around United after he was temporarily appointed caretaker manager on Monday morning.
However, Solskjaer could bring back a sense of optimism for United fans amid the upcoming FA Cup campaign and the challenge for a top-four spot this season.
4. Man Utd don’t only benefit from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment; the Man Utd legend himself does
The return of Solskjaer to Old Trafford is not only something that United could value, but it could also do the ex-Besiktas manager the world of wonders for his career.
Solskjaer was sacked as United manager in 2021 and the ‘Baby Faced Assassin’ did not return to management until 2025 with his spell at Super Lig side Besiktas.
However, the United treble winner suffered a setback at the Istanbul-based club after he was sacked last summer and has since been out of management again.
A United run as caretaker manager could once again attract interest in Solskjaer from other clubs and restore the Norwegian’s confidence for the long term.
5. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows some of the key Man Utd players and the Old Trafford playing style
There are only remnants of the United first-team squad that Solskjaer had at his disposal during his caretaker spell and permanent managerial run at Old Trafford.
However, there are still key figures at United for Solskjaer to rely on, including former club captain Harry Maguire, current skipper Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw.
Solskjaer would naturally pivot away from Amorim’s tactical system for United and revert to the playing style of the so-called ‘Red Devils DNA’ of football this season.
The former United head coach could easily shift the Red Devils back to a suitable back-four option and already has familiarity with some players still at Old Trafford.
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