Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in talks to take over a coaching Job after years out in the cold.
Solskjaer has not held a coaching role since leaving Old Trafford in 2021 but is now negotiating a new contract deal that will see him return to the pitch.
The Norwegian has reportedly flown to put the finishing touches to an 18-month deal, with the club confirming the move was in progress in a brief statement.
“Negotiations have started with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the position of coach of our football team,” it read.
Solskjaer was Manchester United's caretaker manager from December 2018 to March 2019, when he got the job on a permanent basis. The former striker helped Manchester United finish third in the Premier League during his first full season in charge, in 2019-2020.
The following year he took them to second, though they were still 12 points behind rivals and eventual winners Manchester City.
Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021 amid a poor run of form for Manchester United. They had won just one of their previous seven league matches.
A dire 4-1 loss to Watford ended Solskjaer’s reign. A club statement at the time read: ‘Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager.
'Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision. While the past few weeks have been disappointing, they should not obscure all the work he has done over the past three years to rebuild the foundations for long-term success.’
The Norwegian then appeared in an emotional interview, during which he said he would take a break from management and spend some time with his family.
Solskjaer is now back in coaching, with the Former United coach poised to take over at Turkish club Besiktas.
The Super Lig outfit, has been without a head coach since letting Giovanni van Bronckhorst go last month.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland has committed to a record-breaking 9½-year deal with Manchester City, worth a staggering £600m, despite the club facing serious financial mismanagement charges that could see them relegated from the Premier League.
The 22-year-old Norwegian sensation’s new contract, which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2034, has sent shockwaves throughout the football world. And Pep Guardiola, the City boss, says the length of Haaland’s deal is a resounding vote of confidence in the club.
“It’s trust from Erling,” Guardiola revealed, when asked about the significance of Haaland’s massive new contract. “The club knows how professional he is. In 10 years, you never know what will happen. It’s what he wanted. When one player decides to sign this kind of contract – never done before – it shows how much he wants to be here.”
Guardiola admitted he was shocked when he first heard the news from director of football Txiki Begiristain. “I said ‘can you repeat?'” he chuckled. “He said, ‘yes, it’s a done deal.’ It’s good news. It means a lot. He’s still young. I’m sure with maturing and playing games, he will improve naturally.”
The new deal is a massive coup for City, who are fighting to avoid relegation from the Premier League amid allegations of financial mismanagement. If found guilty, the club could face severe penalties, including relegation. However, Haaland’s commitment to City sends a strong message that he believes in the club’s future, despite the uncertainty surrounding their financial situation.
Guardiola praised Haaland’s dedication and professionalism, saying: “It’s a testament to his character and his love for the club. He’s an exceptional talent, and we’re delighted to have him on board for the long haul.”
With Haaland’s new deal securing his future at City until 2034, the Norwegian striker has cemented his place as one of the most valuable players in the world. The question now is: what does this mean for City’s future, and how will they navigate the challenges ahead? Only time will tell.
