Manchester United are reportedly set to make a surprise appointment, with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emerging as the clear front-runner to take over as interim manager.
Ruben Amorim was sacked on Monday following his explosive interview after Leeds United’s defeat.
In what has followed a whirlwind of drama and speculation for 24 hours, reports from a number of outlets indicate that the Norwegian is in advanced talks to return to Old Trafford, just four years away.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer closes by returning to Old Trafford
According to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Solskjaer is now the frontrunner for the interim position following “advanced discussions” with the club’s management.
While United sources insist that no final decision has been made and a formal face-to-face interview is still needed, the momentum is shifting towards a reunion.
Jacobs notes that while other names such as Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy are still being considered, Solskjaer’s availability and deep connection with the club has put him at the front of the queue.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the frontrunner to become Manchester United’s caretaker manager following advanced talks. United sources stress that there are many candidates and a formal face-to-face discussion with the preferred option is still required before any final decision is made.
However,… pic.twitter.com/ZA5ggkIC9P
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 6, 2026
Sadly, the 51-year-old appears to have his own dressing room. talkSPORT reports that Solskjaer has the backing of several key first-team players, notably captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Harry Maguire as those backing his return.
Additionally, Jacobs highlights that “high-profile club legends” inspire the movement.
Although the club insist that a thorough process involving a number of candidates is still underway, talkSPORT reports that Solskjaer is still the favorite to steady the ship until the end of the season.
Ole Gunnar’s first season at Manchester United
Solskjaer’s potential return reflects the circumstances of his first appointment in December 2018, when he came in as caretaker manager to replace Jose Mourinho.
That spell is best remembered by fans for its immediate impact; Solskjaer won his first eight games in charge and orchestrated a remarkable Champions League comeback against PSG, securing the job permanently in March 2019.
His three-year stay restored a sense of identity to the club, leading to United’s top four finishes, including a second-placed finish in the 2020/21 Premier League season.
He also guided the team to the 2021 Europa League final, despite a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss against Villarreal.
Despite building a team capable of skill at times, he was unable to win silverware, and his reign ended in November 2021 following a heavy defeat to Watford.
Now, he may have a second chance to finish what he started.
