Roy Keane has offered his perspective on the possibility of Ole Gunnar Solskjær returning to Manchester United as talks intensify over a short-term appointment until the end of the season. The discussion has revived memories of Solskjær’s previous spell at Old Trafford and raised questions about what role he could realistically play if he were to return.
United turned to Solskjær in 2018 after dismissing Jose Mourinho, initially appointing him on an interim basis while they searched for a permanent manager. He succeeded in steadying the team during a difficult period and oversaw a clear upturn in performances. By the end of that season, his impact convinced the club to hand him the role permanently, a decision that was widely supported at the time.
Solskjær’s previous spell at United
During his tenure, United showed notable progress both domestically and in Europe. The team developed a sense of stability and consistency, often performing well and appearing united behind the manager. For a significant period, Solskjær was credited with restoring belief and a positive atmosphere within the squad, something that had been missing previously.
However, his reign began to unravel following the return of Cristiano Ronaldo. The decision was driven by a desire to prevent the forward from joining Manchester City, but it disrupted the balance of the team. Performances deteriorated rapidly, and within weeks, Solskjær was dismissed. He remained out of work until last year, when he took over at Besiktas, although that role was also short-lived.
Keane’s view on a potential return
Now available again, Solskjær has been linked with a return to Manchester United, and reports suggest he is open to the idea. Keane, however, has drawn a clear distinction between a short-term and a long-term appointment. Speaking on the subject, he said, according to Nettavisen, “If it’s until the end of the season, then I think Ole would do fine. If it’s about Ole being the manager for the next four or five years and getting United back on track, then probably not.”
Keane’s comments reflect a broader debate among supporters, acknowledging Solskjær’s ability to stabilise the club in the short term while questioning whether he represents a long-term solution to United’s ongoing challenges.
