Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's surprise new job after Man Utd talks over 'unresolved’ business

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has kept busy since his last managerial role (Image: Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is working with a Norwegian club as he waits for his next management role. The 53-year-old spent almost three years in the Old Trafford hot seat before leaving the Red Devils in November 2021. The United legend enjoyed initial success as interim boss after succeeding Jose Mourinho. He later steered the club to a Europa League final and a second-place finish in the Premier League shortly before his tenure came to an end.

Solskjaer’s only senior role since leaving United has been a short stint in charge of Besiktas last year, though he did hold talks over a possible return to Old Trafford before Michael Carrick’s appointment in January. The current United boss is under increasing pressure with the team on a nine-game winless run as they prepare to face Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday. While Solskjaer missed out on a second spell in charge of his former club, the Norwegian coach has kept himself busy by working with a local side.

Norwegian broadcaster TV2 reports that the ex-United striker has been helping FCK's junior side and A-team, who play in the country’s fourth tier. Solskjaer has spent his time in Kristiansund since being sacked by Turkish giants Besiktas in August 2025.

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A few months later, Ruben Amorim’s departure from United saw Solskjaer involved in discussions about possibly taking the job again temporarily. The club ultimately opted for his former team-mate Carrick, who was also part of the Norwegian's coaching staff, but Red Devils icon Solskjaer admitted to feeling he has unfinished business as manager.

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“None of us were desperate to get the job,” Solskjaer told TV2. “We'd probably be up for the job if they asked. At the time, there was talk of being an interim coach for the rest of the season.

“Going back to what has been is not always as good. Yes, I had lined up, but I didn't think it would last longer than the summer. It was probably time for someone else to try.

“I also feel like I have something unresolved. Of course it would have been nice to have the opportunity again.”

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick was previously part of Solskjaer's coaching team (Image: Ian KINGTON / AFP via Getty Images)

Solskjaer’s new role working with FCK is a far cry from the scrutiny that comes with being United manager. He remains in contact with Carrick and believes his former colleague can end the team’s current slump and transform their fortunes. However, the former striker confessed that he would be unable to turn down the chance of a second spell as United boss.

“Michael has what it takes to take that club forward,” Solskjaer said. “I think he's the right man. He understands the club, understands the fans and knows what's needed.”

On whether he would be open to returning to Old Trafford, Solskjaer added: “If Michael does well for ten years and decides to quit, and they ask me if I can take them for two months, of course I wouldn’t say no.”

Following his previous departure from United in 2021, Solskjaer took some time out to coach a children's team in his home country of Norway. “I’m doing a lot of coaching, four times per week, and we have three teams,” he told The Athletic. “I’m helping the kids, who enjoy it.

“You see a different side to football, the grassroots – except it’s all plastic pitches here. You see the brightness in their eyes, they listen to you, they want to learn.”