Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's surprise comeback as the interim manager of Manchester United appears increasingly far-fetched by the day. The former Red Devils' player and caretaker boss has sparked whispers about his potential long-term return to Old Trafford, with pundits like Danny Murphy and Stephen Warnock questioning its plausibility.
Critics argue that Solskjaer's managerial record since taking over on a permanent basis in 2019 has been underwhelming, with the team struggling to find consistency and failing to address key issues such as defensive vulnerabilities. His tenure has seen several high-profile departures of influential players like Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial.
The notion that Solskjaer's passion, charisma, and playing experience would automatically translate into success on the touchline is becoming an increasingly tenuous argument. Many observers feel that the 47-year-old former Manchester United player turned manager has failed to demonstrate a grasp of the game's tactical nuances or a keen sense of squad management.
With Ruben Amorim having departed as caretaker boss, the door appears open for Solskjaer to reclaim his role, but many question whether it would be an enlightened decision. As pundits Danny Murphy and Stephen Warnock pointed out in Match of the Day, Manchester United's current crop of players and coaching staff seem woefully unenthusiastic about his involvement.
Solskjaer has yet to respond to questions about his future at Old Trafford, but those close to him are tight-lipped. The prevailing feeling within the club is that his appointment would be a step backwards rather than a step forward, as it would be seen as an attempt to relive past glories rather than forging a new path.
The Manchester United board may view Solskjaer's popularity and nostalgic appeal as a selling point in an increasingly competitive Premier League landscape. However, with the likes of Erik ten Hag and Ralf Rangnick having made their presence known in recent weeks, there is now genuine competition for the top job at Old Trafford.
While Solskjaer remains a United legend and one of the club's most celebrated figures, his appointment as interim manager β not to mention any potential long-term role β appears increasingly unlikely. It would be an exercise in sentimentality rather than pragmatism.
Critics argue that Solskjaer's managerial record since taking over on a permanent basis in 2019 has been underwhelming, with the team struggling to find consistency and failing to address key issues such as defensive vulnerabilities. His tenure has seen several high-profile departures of influential players like Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial.
The notion that Solskjaer's passion, charisma, and playing experience would automatically translate into success on the touchline is becoming an increasingly tenuous argument. Many observers feel that the 47-year-old former Manchester United player turned manager has failed to demonstrate a grasp of the game's tactical nuances or a keen sense of squad management.
With Ruben Amorim having departed as caretaker boss, the door appears open for Solskjaer to reclaim his role, but many question whether it would be an enlightened decision. As pundits Danny Murphy and Stephen Warnock pointed out in Match of the Day, Manchester United's current crop of players and coaching staff seem woefully unenthusiastic about his involvement.
Solskjaer has yet to respond to questions about his future at Old Trafford, but those close to him are tight-lipped. The prevailing feeling within the club is that his appointment would be a step backwards rather than a step forward, as it would be seen as an attempt to relive past glories rather than forging a new path.
The Manchester United board may view Solskjaer's popularity and nostalgic appeal as a selling point in an increasingly competitive Premier League landscape. However, with the likes of Erik ten Hag and Ralf Rangnick having made their presence known in recent weeks, there is now genuine competition for the top job at Old Trafford.
While Solskjaer remains a United legend and one of the club's most celebrated figures, his appointment as interim manager β not to mention any potential long-term role β appears increasingly unlikely. It would be an exercise in sentimentality rather than pragmatism.