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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Sheikh Jassim's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plan as Man Utd legend hints at post-takeover return

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is willing to welcome Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back to Manchester United if his takeover bid is successful.

Solskjaer was sacked by United in November 2021 after humiliating home defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City. The Norwegian managed the Red Devils for three years but failed to win a trophy, losing the Europa League final to Villarreal in May 2021.

United are not on the hunt for a new manager due to the success of Erik ten Hag, but Solskjaer has hinted at a comeback "in some capacity". Solskjaer is an Old Trafford icon after scoring the winner in 1999 Champions League final during his playing days.

Sheikh Jassim is believed to be negotiating a period of exclusivity with the Glazers to complete a 100 per cent takeover of United. The Qatari banker faces competition from INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe and it could be a while before a takeover is completed.

As reported in May, Sheikh Jassim wants to bring club legends back to Old Trafford if he becomes United's next custodian. Although Solskjaer was not specifically mentioned in those reports, Sir Alex Ferguson's former players are on the prospective owner's shortlist.

Solskjaer falls under that category scoring more than 100 goals and winning six Premier League titles under legendary boss Ferguson. The Norwegian has also recently discussed the possibility of returning to his former stomping ground one day.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could return to Old Trafford (PA)

Would you like to see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back at Old Trafford? Let us know in the comments below!

Speaking at an event last month, Solskjaer said: "I’ve got another job in me, if it’s the right chance and exciting enough.

"There are so many clubs, but I’m not going to work just for the sake of working. It has to be something special, a new culture, or a club that really excites me. Or maybe they will want me back at the club [United] in some capacity, who knows?"

If his bid is successful, Sheikh Jassim will need to finalise a deal with the Glazers and pass the Premier League's owners' and directors' test before taking charge of United. It could take weeks, if not months, for the takeover saga to be finally settled.

The Glazers put United up for sale seven months ago and several parties, including Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe, have submitted numerous offers, yet little progress has been made. There is a chance the Glazers could complete a U-turn and remain at Old Trafford.

Some United employees are reportedly concerned about losing their jobs due to the uncertainty surrounding the club. It's claimed more than 800 members of staff have been told nothing about the ongoing drama, despite media reports.

Ten Hag is also believed to be annoyed at the lack of transparency over his summer budget. The transfer window is now open, and the United boss needs to bring in fresh talent if his team are to challenge Manchester City for next season's Premier League title.

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