Solskjaer could be unlikely saviour
Of all the names being linked to the job of Manchester United manager, it is safe to say no-one would have predicted the English Premier League club would turn to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in this time of crisis.
The former striker, whose legendary status at United was sealed with his dramatic winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final, is nevertheless expected to take over until the end of the season. And it might just work. Not least to change the corrosive, oppressive atmosphere created by Jose Mourinho.
It is something of a back-tothe-future moment for United, with Solskjaer due to be assisted by Mike Phelan as well as Michael Carrick, who is one of the few members of Mourinho’s backroom staff to survive, as he was a club appointment.
United are determined that Mourinho’s interim successor is someone who has a feel for the club and who, ideally, has a deep connection and ‘‘is steeped in its traditions’’. They want to also rediscover the identity that has been lost not just under Mourinho but his predecessors since Alex Ferguson retired five years ago.
Maybe that is to appease the fans but also, crucially, to galvanise a disillusioned squad, because although Solskjaer, who was also reserve-team coach under Ferguson from
2008-10, fits that criterion, his managerial pedigree would suggest it is a big step up and something of a risk. During his previous coaching spell at United, Solskjaer briefly managed Paul Pogba and he recently said that United should build their team around their record signing.
Solskjaer has a special place in the hearts of Old Trafford fans. The supersub played for the club from 1996-2007, scoring
126 goals, with Ferguson marvelling at his ability to read a game, come off the bench and affect a result.
Ferguson always said Solskjaer was born to be a coach. The Norwegian has stayed in touch with Ferguson and, like many former United players, canvassed his opinion before taking a job – in his case at Cardiff. It would be surprising if the same has not happened now, with him set to return to United.