Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emerges as favourite to replace Ruben Amorim at Manchester United
Former Manchester United manager and striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now seen as the favourite to be appointed on an interim basis by the club.
Image: Oli Scarff/AFP
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has emerged as the odds-on favourite to return as Manchester United manager following the sudden sacking of Ruben Amorim. The Norwegian’s potential comeback has sparked intrigue, nostalgia, and debate among fans and pundits alike.
Amorim was dismissed on Monday after United’s 1-1 draw at Leeds United on Sunday. While the club officially cited its sixth-place Premier League position, reports suggest that Amorim’s outspoken comments about his lack of authority ultimately sealed his fate.
Solskjaer’s return would be an emotional one for a man who spent 11 years at Old Trafford as a player and a further three as manager.
Whether appointed on an interim or permanent basis, he would arrive with unfinished business. Under his previous tenure, United finished third in the Covid-19-affected 2019/20 season and second in 2020/21. There was much hope the following season, particularly after signing Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho, and Cristiano Ronaldo, that United could challenge champions Manchester City. However, inconsistent results led to his sacking midway through the campaign.
The Manchester United he would inherit now is very different. The squad has been reshaped under Amorim and Erik ten Hag, with new signings and tactical changes, but inconsistencies remain, particularly in attack and defensive cohesion.
Solskjaer’s experience, familiarity with the club’s culture, and ability to manage big personalities could prove vital in steadying the team under pressure.
For supporters, news of his likely return brings a mix of nostalgia and cautious optimism. Past disappointments cannot be ignored, but there is hope that Solskjaer can rekindle the resilience and identity that made United a formidable force during his earlier tenure.
According to reports, Solskjaer is currently waiting on the club to make a decision. It remains to be seen whether he would prioritise immediate fixes to steady the team or begin laying the groundwork for a longer-term rebuild. Either way, the coming weeks are likely to define both his return and United’s trajectory for the remainder of the season.
Regardless of whether Solskjaer is appointed on a short-term or permanent basis, his return would immediately shift the narrative at Old Trafford. Expectations will be high, scrutiny intense – as always – and results demanded from the outset.
For the club, the challenge is clear: stabilise a squad in transition while re-establishing the identity and mentality that made United a force in the Premier League. For Solskjaer, it is a chance to rewrite the ending of a story that was left unfinished – and perhaps define the next chapter of his managerial legacy.
IOL Sport