Why not? - Solskjaer is offering himself for the position of the new Red Devils manager

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly considering a return to Manchester United as the club looks for a caretaker or interim manager to step in after Ruben Amorim’s departure, more than four years since his own dismissal from the Red Devils.

Darren Fletcher will oversee the team temporarily, but United are expected to appoint someone else to guide the squad over the next few months, before a permanent manager is installed ahead of next season. Solskjaer’s previous stint ended bitterly, as he was dismissed the day after a heavy loss to Watford, capping a rough start to the 2021-22 campaign.

Yet the Norwegian still holds Manchester United close to his heart, nearly three decades after joining as a player in the summer of 1996. Fabrizio Romano, via his YouTube channel, has stated that Solskjaer would be "more than open" to a return to Old Trafford in a caretaker role.

At this stage, there has been no contact from United, but that is understood to reflect Solskjaer’s stance if the opportunity, however unlikely it may seem, arises. His first spell at the club, which ultimately lasted almost three years, also began as an interim appointment following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. Speaking to BBC Sport in November 2025, Solskjaer recalled the challenges of managing United during a period when Manchester City and Liverpool were at their peaks.

Amorim's aim at the management got him the sack

"It's not about getting the credit, but it was the worst time to be the manager of Manchester United. You have Jurgen Klopp with his Liverpool team and you have Pep Guardiola with his Manchester City team," he reflected. He also described the role as a "privilege," rather than a burden. "I felt privileged to be the manager of Manchester United, but of course it's not the same as playing. As a player, you just do your job. Suddenly now you're the manager, you're the face of everyone. You think about all these supporters, players, everything surrounding Manchester United."

For now, Darren Fletcher is in temporary charge, at least for this week, while United’s plan is believed to be finding someone to steer the team through the coming months until summer, leaving enough time to make the right permanent appointment.

Several names are already being discussed for both the interim and full-time positions. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and recently available Enzo Maresca are linked to the permanent role, while former United captain Michael Carrick is reported as a top candidate for the caretaker position, having previously taken over from Solskjaer for three games in 2021 before Ralf Rangnick was appointed.