Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left staff members 'in tears' by sending them a surprise Christmas hamper just weeks after his sacking, it has been revealed.
The popular Norwegian, who was already a cult hero at Old Trafford from his playing days, saw his reign unravel just months after he guided United to a second-placed finish in the 2020/21 campaign.
After capturing the likes of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo, United were expected to push on and challenge Manchester City for the Premier League crown that had eluded them since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement back in 2013.
But a flurry of chastening results in the first half of the 2021/22 campaign eroded most of the goodwill Solskjaer had in the bank from the previous season and his storied playing career. A thumping 4-1 defeat against Watford last November would prove to be Solskjaer's final act as Manchester United manager - but his exit was an emotional one.
The 49-year-old conducted a tearful exit interview the day after his departure was confirmed; and a new report from The Athletic has lifted the lid on how Solskjaer left staff members in tears with an unexpected Christmas gift just weeks after his exit.
Solskjaer sent a luxury Christmas hamper as a token of gratitude to the club's staff for all their hard work during his premiership - a gesture that made 'several' of his former colleagues cry.
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A year on from his exit, the same report outlines that Solskjaer is ready to return to management. The former Molde chief has assessed his spell at Old Trafford and has placed an emphasis on analysing some of Europe's most successful teams ahead of a return to the dugout.
Although Solskjaer has purposely stayed out of the limelight since losing his job at Manchester United, it has been outlined that he has turned down opportunities to return to work. It had already been claimed earlier this year that Solskjaer had 'rebuffed Premier League interest'.
Solskjaer admitted that it was 'time for him to step aside' after United's poor start to the season last year.
“You know what this club means to me and what I wanted to achieve here, he told MUTV. "For the club, for the fans, for the players, for the staff. 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.
"I don’t want to answer all… 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.”
