Manchester United are facing a crucial managerial decision, with club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly ready to answer an emergency call to return as caretaker boss.
Amorim's Exit Creates Vacancy
The situation arose after United confirmed the departure of head coach Ruben Amorim on Monday, 5th January 2026. The decision came less than a day after a 1-1 Premier League draw away at Leeds United.
Mirror Football understands that a combination of strained relations with the club's hierarchy and underwhelming results across his 14-month tenure led to the Portuguese manager's dismissal.
The club's board must now choose between appointing a permanent successor immediately or installing a temporary manager until the end of the season. This latter scenario has opened the door for a potential fairytale return.
Solskjaer's Readiness for a Second Act
According to a Manchester World report, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be receptive to taking the interim role. The 52-year-old Norwegian has been out of management since being sacked by Turkish side Besiktas in August 2025.
This would mirror the opportunity he was given in December 2018, when he stepped in following Jose Mourinho's exit. His initial successful stint, which galvanised the squad and delivered a strong run of form, earned him the job on a permanent basis. He was ultimately dismissed in November 2021 after a poor start to that campaign.
Solskjaer has previously been vocal about his willingness to return to Old Trafford. Speaking at the Oslo Business Forum in September 2024, he stated: "If the family [United] asks, I would say yes every day of the week." He added that while it felt wrong to discuss roles held by others, his answer would always be affirmative.
Immediate Steps and Future Speculation
In the immediate aftermath, technical director Darren Fletcher is set to take charge for the midweek trip to Burnley. He may also oversee the FA Cup third-round tie at home to Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.
The club then has a significant gap before the next Manchester derby, buying the hierarchy some time to make their next move. Solskjaer, who currently works as a technical observer for UEFA, has remained connected to the game and hinted at a desire to return to management in England.
While linked with the Rangers job before Danny Rohl's appointment in October 2025, Solskjaer emphasised his love for the challenge, telling the Stick to Football podcast he enjoys "giving belief to the players" and "defying the odds."
The coming days will reveal whether United's legendary former striker, who won 12 trophies as a player at the club, is handed the chance to script another remarkable chapter in his Old Trafford story.
