Ole Gunnar Solskjaer talks up chances of Man Utd return as pressure on Erik ten Hag increases

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has publicly commented on the subject of a return to Manchester United as the pressure on Erik ten Hag mounts – and it sounds like he’s keen.

The 51-year-old, who was sacked by United in 2021 following a three-year spell, has turned down several job offers since his Old Trafford departure, including two from Saudi Arabia.

Recently-promoted Leicester City were also keen on bringing Solskjaer to the King Power ahead of their Premier League return, and were in contact with the Norwegian over a possible move.

But the former Manchester United striker is still without a club, although he did comment on his managerial status at a public event in Lillestrøm on Thursday.

Solskjaer spoke to a crowd of around 3,000 people at Oslo Business Forum, and was asked about a possible return to Old Trafford.

“If your family asks you, you say yes every day of the week,” he said via Norwegian outlet VG. “It feels wrong to talk about jobs other people have. But I say yes.”

Solskjaer took charge of 168 games at United, finishing with a win percentage of 54%.

0 seconds of 54 secondsVolume 90%
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The pressure is on Erik ten Hag after Wednesday night’s lacklustre display against FC Twente in the Europa League. Speaking after the full-time whistle at Old Trafford, he was asked about pressure from the media.

“If you lose at the top, you always have a problem, no matter which coach,” Ten Hag said.

“The board knows that we are in a process and that we are building. It is much calmer now. If we are a few months further, I think we can really build a nice team.”

He added: “I’m used to that. That was the case at Ajax and it’s the case here. These are clubs that are always in the spotlight. Everyone has an opinion about it. You have to deal with that and not let it distract you.”

Image credit: Getty
Image credit: Getty

In regards to Solskjaer, the Norwegian appeared on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, back in March – and the conversation turned to transfers.

He said: “I had him [Erling Haaland] in Molde, for two seasons. The summer before I got here [joined Manchester United], I rang the club and said ‘You’ve got to sign this boy – he’ll be top class’.

“That was June/July 2018, and they said no – they had enough reports on players.”

Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice were also on Solskjaer’s radar but neither materialised.