Ex-Manchester United boss Solskjaer in talks with former Premier League champions over managerial return: Reports
Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could reportedly be set for a return to the Premier League. According to The Sun, Leicester City have contacted the 51-year-old about replacing Enzo Maresca after the latter was recently unveiled as Chelsea's new head coach.
The Norweigan hasn't been in management since leaving the Red Devils by mutual consent in November 2021 after nearly three years in charge. Despite attracting interest from numerous avenues, including Ireland and Norway's national women's team, Solskjaer has not returned to management.
However, he could potentially be set for a return to the Premier League after missing out on the Besiktas job earlier this week. The recently promoted Leicester City are currently searching for a new manager after Maresca opted to join Chelsea.
Leicester chairman Top Srivaddhanaprabha is allegedly a huge fan of Solskjaer and even considered appointing him last summer following the departure of Dean Smith. While no concrete talks have been held between both parties to date, Solskjaer is expected to feature on the Foxes' shortlist.
Solskjaer has been plying his trade as a technical observer for UEFA since September 2023 but will be hoping to lead the former Premier League champions ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
In addition to his managerial stint at Manchester United, he also has experience in the dugout for Molde and Cardiff City.
How did Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fare during his time as manager at Manchester United?
Solskjaer had an extremely successful 11-year tenure at Manchester United, scoring 126 goals in 366 appearances across all competitions. He also won 12 trophies and was part of the team that won the treble in 1999, etching his name into United folklore.
The Norweigan failed to have the same impact when he replaced Jose Mourinho as the Red Devils' caretaker manager in December 2018. After a successful initial period in which he guided United to 14 wins in his first 19 games, Solskjaer was appointed permanent manager in March 2019.
Unfortunately, Solskjaer failed to get the best out of Manchester United in his first stint in Premier League management. Despite finishing in second and third place in his first two full seasons in charge, his side were largely overshadowed by Manchester City and Liverpool.
Following five losses in seven games, he departed the club by mutual consent in November 2021.
Out of his 168 games in charge at Manchester United, he won 91 games, drew 37, and lost 40, with a win percentage of 54.17 percent. His most notable achievement was guiding his former side to the 2020-21 UEFA Europa League final where they lost to Villarreal on penalties.