Nearly two years have passed since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s abrupt departure from his managerial role at Manchester United. The culmination of this exit came after a disheartening 4-1 loss to Watford on November 22, 2021, though the signs had been ominous for some time. Since his emotional farewell interview, the Norwegian football figure has predominantly remained out of the public eye.
Remarkably, Solskjaer has chosen not to rush back into management, a path commonly taken by his peers in the football world. Notable figures like Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard swiftly returned to coaching after their respective dismissals from Chelsea and Aston Villa. However, in an industry where the saying “out of sight, out of mind” holds true, Solskjaer opted for a different approach. Despite receiving offers for new managerial positions or opportunities in punditry, he decided to take an enforced hiatus.
During this break, Solskjaer seized the chance to reconnect with his family, with whom he had spent limited time during the pandemic due to their separation between Norway and the UK. “I’ll spend some time with my family,” he revealed after his departure. “That’s been probably the most difficult part, through the pandemic, with Norway being open and here being closed, my family moved back to Norway, and the young one, he loves it back there, so we’ve lived apart.”
In addition to prioritizing family time, Solskjaer acknowledged his intention to support the next manager of Manchester United and expressed confidence in the foundations he laid during his tenure. He remains resolute about returning to football in some capacity, emphasizing his knack for creating a football environment.
While awaiting his official return, Solskjaer did not stay entirely away from the pitch. Last year, he assumed the role of coach for his son Elijah’s Under-14 team, actively training the young players multiple times each week, as reported by local news outlet Tidens Krav via VG.
Despite several opportunities and Premier League clubs reaching out to him, Solskjaer has been deliberate in selecting his next career move. His experiences with Manchester United and Cardiff City, though formative, have made him cautious. Last year, he stated that he would only return to work for a club that genuinely excited him or offered a unique cultural experience.
Notably, there is one club that holds a special place in Solskjaer’s heart: Manchester United. While a return to the managerial role appears unlikely, it cannot be entirely ruled out, especially if a “new culture” emerges, possibly in connection with the prospective takeover led by Sheikh Jassim, a proponent of involving club legends.
Solskjaer has voiced his desire for the Glazer family to leave the club and has shown openness to the prospect of rejoining Manchester United in some capacity should the takeover come to fruition. The possibility of the “Baby-Faced Assassin” making a comeback to the club that holds so much significance in his career remains open.
