Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has studied every game he took charge of at Manchester United. Just over 12 months in the footballing wilderness has allowed the club legend to reflect on his three-year spell at Old Trafford - and what the future could hold.
Question marks over Solskjaer’s credentials to manage United plagued his managerial tenure. Hired as an interim after Jose Mourinho’s sacking, just one league defeat in 13 games triggered a knee-jerk reaction from Ed Woodward to appoint the Norwegian on a permanent basis.
His time as caretaker boss saw the Red Devils stun PSG in the Champions League. While that would have been one of his highlights when revisiting his 168 games as manager, there were plenty of experiences ahead to sour the mood.
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Heavy defeats to bitter rivals Liverpool and Manchester City at Old Trafford just weeks before Solskjaer’s sacking hammered two brutal nails into his managerial coffin. Supporters found themselves torn, with a deep-rooted love for their club icon tested by the most embarrassing run of results in recent times.
An emotional, teary-eyed interview ensued once United chiefs finally pulled the trigger last November. Solskjaer said: “You know what this club means to me and what I wanted to achieve here. I wanted us to take the next step to challenge for the league, to win trophies and I only think it’s right that it comes from the horse’s mouth.
“There’s going to be journalists asking me about interviews but no, I’m not going to do any interviews. I want to get it out there, I’m going to leave by the front door because I think everyone knows I’ve given everything for this club.
“This club means everything to me and together we’re a good match but, unfortunately, I couldn’t get the results we needed and it’s time for me to step aside.”
Now, The Athletic reports that Solskjaer is eyeing a return to management after 12 months on the sidelines. It is unclear whether the 49-year-old - who divides his time between Cheshire and Kristiansund in Norway - would prefer to manage in England or abroad.
Meticulous steps to learn from the mistakes of yesteryear have reportedly seen the United legend watch every game from his time in the dugout. Silverware may have eluded Solskjaer but his 54 per cent win percentage is only bettered by Sir Alex Ferguson and Mourinho in the post-war period.
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