Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in contention to be re-appointed as Manchester United manager until the end of the season, following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. The Norwegian, along with former United favourite Michael Carrick, is understood to have been sounded out by the club.
Although Solskjaer was dismissed after a poor start to the 2021/22 campaign, his tenure is now viewed more positively given United's subsequent struggles. An often-overlooked aspect of his management was his willingness to give young players opportunities, a quality Amorim was seemingly reluctant to display.
Under Solskjaer, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay each made over 100 appearances, while other academy graduates reached half a century. He also handed debuts to 16 youngsters, including Amad and Anthony Elanga. That earned praise from Sir Alex Ferguson, who told the BBC in 2021: 'He is getting the results, he really has done very well. And what is really important for this club is to introduce young people.'
In contrast, Amorim made critical remarks about the club's young players prior to his dismissal. He suggested some felt 'entitled' and were overpaid, and questioned the form of Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Amass, and Chido Obi. The Portuguese coach also defended his limited use of youth by highlighting their lack of game time on loan or at reserve level.
Amorim's reservations may have been justified, but whether he should have voiced them publicly is open to debate. The decision to part ways with the 39-year-old suggests his comments did not sit well with the club's hierarchy.
