Manchester United are considering a sensational return for former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to steer the club until the end of the season. This development follows the recent dismissal of manager Ruben Amorim, with Darren Fletcher currently in temporary charge at Old Trafford.
Rashford's Glowing Endorsement
The potential reappointment of Solskjaer comes just months after star forward Marcus Rashford spoke effusively about his time working under the Norwegian. In an interview with Danish TV station TV2 in October last year, Rashford offered a powerful personal endorsement.
"Ole is a fantastic person. I loved playing under him," Rashford stated. He added that he could speak for many United players in saying they enjoyed their football during that period. The England international described it as a "very successful period" for him personally and claimed he did not have "a bad word to say about him".
Rashford also revealed that he maintains contact with Solskjaer "from time to time", though conceded it had been a while since their last conversation.
A Proven Productive Partnership
The statistical case for Solskjaer's positive impact on Rashford is compelling. The academy graduate produced his most prolific form in a United shirt under Solskjaer's management.
Across 135 matches, Rashford scored 55 goals and provided 36 assists during Solskjaer's tenure. This output surpasses his records under any other United coach, including Jose Mourinho and current boss Erik ten Hag.
Further analysis reveals Rashford's efficiency was also at its peak with Solskjaer in the dugout. He averaged a goal every 182 minutes under the Norwegian, compared to one every 199 minutes for Ten Hag and every 251 minutes under Mourinho.
Solskjaer's View and The Road Back
Solskjaer himself addressed Rashford's situation during a November appearance on the podcast The Rest is Football. He noted he had not spoken directly to the player since leaving the club but had exchanged texts.
The former United striker suggested Rashford now "looked like he didn't enjoy himself" during his final period at Old Trafford, contrasting it with his current form at Barcelona. Solskjaer emphasised the manager's role in understanding a player's mindset, stating, "'What's up? I can see something's wrong.'"
Solskjaer's original stint at United began as caretaker following Mourinho's sacking in December 2018, before he was handed the permanent role three months later. His tenure lasted just under three years in total before interim spells for Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick preceded Ten Hag's arrival.
The club's hierarchy now faces a huge decision on who will guide the team for the remainder of the campaign, with a popular former manager firmly in the frame.
