December 23, (THEWILL) – Former Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, could return to football by taking over at Turkish giants Besiktas. Solskjaer has been out of work since leaving Old Trafford in November 2021, though he has been linked with various positions.
The latest potential opportunity is with Besiktas, who recently sacked manager Rıza Çalımbay. Turkish outlet, NTV Spor has claimed that negotiations have now started between Solskjaer and Besiktas, over the possibility of the Norwegian succeeding Çalımbay.
Besiktas are currently fifth in the Turkish Super Lig table and have struggled for form recently. They have lost to both Alanyaspor and city rivals Fenerbahçe and drawing with Ankaragücü. In Europe, Besiktas were also thrashed 5-0 at home by Club Brugge in the Europa Conference League, although they did beat Lugano 2-0 on the final matchday to finish third in their group.
Solskjaer has been out of management since overseeing a disastrous end to his nearly three-year spell in charge of United. He lost his job after a 4-1 defeat away at Watford in November 2021, which came after a summer in which the club had signed Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho. Ralf Rangnick came in on an interim basis for the rest of last season before current boss Erik ten Hag was appointed.
The 49-year-old Norwegian began his coaching career with United’s Under-21s in 2008. He left to take over at Molde three years later, returning to the UK for an ill-fated stint with Cardiff City in 2014. Another productive spell back at Molde followed before Solskjaer answered United’s SOS call in December 2018 after the sacking of Jose Mourinho. Initially hired temporarily, Solskjaer turned around the club’s fortunes sufficiently to earn the job permanently in March 2019.
Solskjaer gained plaudits at Old Trafford for his man management and big game record but faced criticism over his inability to win silverware. Returning to management with Besiktas would present an opportunity to rebuild his reputation.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
