Besiktas have dismissed Ole Gunnar Solskjær following the club’s failure to qualify for the league phase of the Europa Conference League. The Turkish side had initially started their European campaign in the Europa League, but after being eliminated, they dropped into the Conference League, where disappointment struck again. Despite being backed with several quality signings during the summer, Solskjær was unable to guide the team to success, resulting in his dismissal.
Solskjær’s Exit from Besiktas
The decision comes after a brief tenure in which the former Manchester United manager was brought in to restore Besiktas’s fortunes. His appointment earlier this year had initially delivered some promise, as he managed to secure Europa League qualification. However, the early exit from both European competitions left the club with little choice but to act.
Solskjær’s sacking adds another chapter to his managerial career, which has already seen significant highs and lows. Between 2018 and 2021, he led Manchester United during a turbulent period, overseeing some positive moments but ultimately losing his position after results declined in his final year. Following a lengthy break from management, he returned with Besiktas, only for his time there to be cut short after a matter of months.
Speculation About a Return to Manchester United
Now free of commitments, speculation has quickly turned to whether Solskjær could make a dramatic return to English football. The Red Devils have endured a poor start to the season under Ruben Amorim, and uncertainty surrounds his future. Reports suggest that Amorim could resign or face dismissal if results do not improve quickly, creating the conditions for a managerial change.
Talksport pundit Jamie O’Hara has tipped Solskjær for a return, stating, as quoted by Nettavisen: “Ole Gunnar Solskjær is not the stupidest suggestion. He can come in and be an interim manager and get the players on the right track.”
While no decision has yet been made, the possibility of Solskjær returning to Old Trafford, even in an interim capacity, highlights the unsettled state of Manchester United and the enduring regard in which he is still held by some within the football community.
