Manchester United has initiated discussions regarding a caretaker manager following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. Among the candidates is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has previously led the club from December 2018 to November 2021. This potential return comes shortly after current player Marcus Rashford expressed his fondness for Solskjaer, highlighting the positive impact he had during his tenure.
As United seeks a temporary replacement for Amorim until the end of the current season, Solskjaer is seen as a front-runner for the role. He faces competition from former players Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy, both of whom have significant connections to the club. Solskjaer, who has been without a managerial position since leaving Besiktas in the summer of 2023, possesses a deep understanding of the club’s culture and values, having spent 11 years as a player and three years as manager.
Rashford’s praise for Solskjaer is notable, especially as he enjoyed some of his best performances under the Norwegian. In an interview with Danish broadcaster TV2 in October 2022, Rashford stated, “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.” His time under Solskjaer was marked by a remarkable record, with Rashford scoring 55 goals and providing 36 assists in 135 appearances.
Solskjaer’s previous stint as caretaker began in December 2018 after the dismissal of Jose Mourinho. He was appointed permanently three months later and led the team for nearly three years before being replaced by Erik ten Hag. The club has opted to delay a permanent appointment for Amorim’s successor until the season concludes, with Solskjaer positioned as the leading candidate to navigate this transitional period.
During a recent appearance on “The Rest is Football,” Solskjaer commented on Rashford’s current form and situation. “I’ve not spoken to Marcus since I left. I text him a little bit, but circumstances,” he shared. He noted that Rashford appears to be thriving in his loan spell at Barcelona, expressing hope for his continuing success. “He’s an incredible player when he’s in form and happy,” Solskjaer added.
Rashford’s productivity under Solskjaer is particularly striking. He achieved his best minutes-per-goal ratio of once every 182 minutes during this period, compared to 199 minutes under Ten Hag and 251 minutes with Mourinho. These statistics highlight the effectiveness of Solskjaer’s management style, which resonated well with the young forward.
As Manchester United navigates this pivotal moment in its managerial landscape, the club’s decision to consider Solskjaer reflects both a strategic choice and a personal connection to the club’s legacy. The coming weeks will reveal whether Solskjaer’s return will be formalized, allowing him the opportunity to stabilize the team and potentially lead them to a stronger finish in the current season.
