Manchester United Eyes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer After Sacking Amorim

Manchester United has initiated discussions regarding a potential caretaker managerial appointment following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. Among the candidates is former player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has garnered respect from current players, including forward Marcus Rashford. The club is exploring temporary options until the end of the season, delaying a permanent replacement for Amorim.

Solskjaer, who has been without a managerial role since leaving Besiktas last summer, is reportedly a leading candidate for the position. He is in contention alongside former teammates Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy. The decision to appoint a caretaker stems from the club’s strategy to reassess their long-term managerial direction without rushing into a permanent appointment.

Having spent 11 years as a player at Old Trafford, Solskjaer has a deep understanding of the club’s culture and values. He managed Manchester United from 2018 to 2021, leading the team through a notable period. His previous tenure was marked by significant relationships with players, including Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire, both of whom he has praised publicly.

Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona, has openly expressed his fondness for Solskjaer. In a conversation with Danish broadcaster TV2 in October 2022, he shared, “Ole is a fantastic person. I loved playing under him. I can speak for many of the players at Manchester United when I say that we enjoyed playing for him.”

Under Solskjaer’s management, Rashford achieved remarkable statistics, scoring 55 goals and providing 36 assists in 135 appearances. His goal-scoring efficiency peaked during this period, as he netted once every 182 minutes, a stark contrast to his performance under subsequent managers, Erik ten Hag and José Mourinho, where the ratios were 199 minutes and 251 minutes respectively.

The decision to consider Solskjaer comes as Manchester United aims to stabilize following Amorim’s departure. Solskjaer’s familiarity with the club and his previous success provide a strong foundation for a potential return. His connection with Rashford and other players could be pivotal in rejuvenating team morale.

In a recent discussion on “The Rest is Football,” Solskjaer reflected on Rashford’s current situation. He noted, “I’ve not spoken to Marcus since I left. I text him a little bit, but circumstances.” He acknowledged Rashford’s resurgence at Barcelona, suggesting that the pressures at United may have affected his performance. Solskjaer emphasized the importance of player well-being, stating, “We don’t know what’s happened to the players when they walk in in the morning, grumpy… We just want him to do well. He’s an incredible player when he’s in form and happy.”

Manchester United’s decision-making process during this transitional phase will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The club seeks to harness the footballing knowledge and emotional intelligence that Solskjaer could bring, while also considering the broader implications of their managerial choices as they navigate the remainder of the season.