Solskjaer Signals Willingness to Return as United Seek Interim Boss Following Amorim Exit

Manchester United are on the hunt for a new manager after parting company with Ruben Amorim on Monday morning, and one intriguing possibility has emerged from the Old Trafford archives: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Norwegian, currently without a club after his August dismissal by Besiktas, is reportedly keen on the prospect of stepping in on a temporary basis until the end of the season. Solskjaer's last managerial position came at United, where he was sacked in November 2021.

The breakdown between Amorim and the United hierarchy came to a head following what has been described as a heated exchange with sporting director Jason Wilcox. The Portuguese manager's position became untenable after this meeting, though the decision to part ways was made before Sunday's 1-1 draw at Leeds United.

Amorim's final act was to draw a line in the sand during his post-match press conference, insisting on his authority: "I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the head coach. I know my name is not Conte, Tuchel or Mourinho, but I'm the manager of Manchester United. It's going to be like this for 18 months or until the board decide to change. I'm not going to quit. I'll do my job until another guy comes here to replace me."

Those comments likely sealed his fate with the board.

Darren Fletcher is currently holding the fort in a caretaker capacity, with an interim head coach expected to be appointed on a short-term basis. The club's hierarchy—including Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Wilcox—are unlikely to make a permanent appointment until the summer transfer window.

Oliver Glasner, the Crystal Palace boss whose contract expires at the end of the season, remains the leading candidate for the permanent role. Thomas Tuchel, Enzo Maresca, Gareth Southgate and Michael Carrick are also being considered.

Yet Solskjaer's availability has caught the attention of the Old Trafford hierarchy. The club legend remains a fan favourite and has indicated he would entertain discussions about a shock return to his former club.

Solskjaer's initial spell as caretaker saw him oversee an impressive run that yielded 14 wins from 19 matches. Following his promotion to permanent status, however, the team managed just two victories in their final ten games of the 2018/19 season.

During his time in charge, Solskjaer never lifted a trophy but guided United to five cup semi-finals, a Europa League final, and successive second and third-place finishes in the league. He remains arguably United's most successful manager in the post-Ferguson era, though Jose Mourinho's trophy haul gives the Portuguese the edge.

When United and Solskjaer parted ways in 2021, the club released a statement declaring: "He will forever be welcome back at Old Trafford as part of the Manchester United family."

The question now is whether the Red Devils will make good on that promise.