For supporters of Manchester United, the period since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure has been a saga of constant change. The club has cycled through six different managers, including interim bosses, in a rollercoaster of results and emotions.
A Peaceful Retreat to Norway
For the Norwegian legend himself, however, life after his sacking in November 2021 has followed a calmer rhythm. Solskjaer's tenure ended abruptly following a heavy 4-1 loss to Watford, which left United seventh in the Premier League table. The man who scored the iconic 1999 Champions League final winner immediately returned to his native Norway, seeking a quieter existence away from the intense glare of managing one of football's biggest institutions.
He prioritised reconnecting with his family, having been separated from his wife Silje and their three children during the Covid-19 pandemic. Reports indicate he declined several offers to return to management or work as a television pundit, choosing instead to split his time between the family home in Kristiansund on Norway's coast and their base in Cheshire.
Maintaining Links and a New UEFA Career
Solskjaer maintained strong ties to the Manchester area, not least through a £3 million eco-mansion in Cheshire that he first moved into in 2019. The luxurious five-bedroom property, featuring a pool, gym, and cinema, has been rented out to stars like Radamel Falcao. He also dedicated time to a detailed review of his 168-game United reign and was spotted at games with former colleagues like Michael Carrick.
A significant new chapter began in early 2024 when Solskjaer took up a position as a UEFA technical observer. This role, which he performed at Euro 2024 and continues in the Champions League, involves analysing matches from a coaching perspective to help UEFA understand tactical evolution across the game.
The Besiktas Adventure and an Open Door to United
After over three years out of the dugout, Solskjaer returned to frontline management in January 2025, taking charge of Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas on a one-and-a-half-year contract. He guided them to a fourth-place finish but was dismissed after just seven games of the following season following failures in European qualification.
Back in the UK and living in Manchester again, Solskjaer made headlines in mid-2024 by openly stating he would say 'yes every day of the week' if Manchester United ever asked him to return. While currently focusing on his UEFA duties and 'networking', the door to a dramatic Old Trafford return, however unlikely, remains ajar in the mind of the club legend.
