Ole Gunnar Solskjaer inching closer to Manchester United goalkeeper role

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a stunning appointment, with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emerging as the clear favorite to take over as interim manager.

Ruben Amorim was fired on Monday following his explosive interview after the Leeds United draw.

What followed was a whirlwind 24 hours of drama and speculation, with reports from multiple media outlets indicating that the Norwegian is in advanced negotiations to return to the dugout at Old Trafforda little more than four years after his departure.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer moves closer to return to Old Trafford

According to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Solskjaer is now the leading candidate for the interim role following “advanced talks” with the club’s hierarchy.

Although United sources stress that no final decision has been made and a formal face-to-face meeting is still required, the dynamic is clearly moving towards a reunion.

Jacobs notes that while other names such as Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy remain under consideration, Solskjaer’s availability and his deep links to the the club put him at the front of the queue.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is one of the favorites for the Manchester United goalkeeper role following advanced discussions. United sources insist there are multiple candidates and a formal face-to-face interview with a preferred choice is still required before a final decision is made.

However,… pic.twitter.com/ZA5ggkIC9P

– Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 6, 2026

Above all, the 51-year-old seems to have the locker room on his side. talkSPORT reports that Solskjaer has the support of several key first-team figures, specifically naming captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Harry Maguire as those backing his return.

Additionally, Jacobs points out that “high-profile club legends” are advocating for the move.

Although the club insists an extensive process involving multiple candidates is underway, talkSPORT’s report claims Solskjaer is now the hot favorite to steady the ship for the rest of the season.

Ole Gunnar’s first stint at Manchester United

Solskjaer’s potential return reflects the circumstances of his first appointment in December 2018, when he arrived as goalkeeper to replace Jose Mourinho.

Fans remember this spell fondly for its immediate impact; Solskjaer won his first eight games in charge and orchestrated the miraculous Champions League comeback against PSG, securing the permanent job in March 2019.

His three-year tenure restored a sense of identity to the team, leading United to consecutive top-four finishes, including a second-place finish in the 2020/21 Premier League season.

He also guided the team to the 2021 Europa League final, although they suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Villarreal.

Despite putting together a team capable of moments of brilliance, he was unable to win silverware and his reign ended in November 2021 after a heavy defeat to Watford.

Now he might get a second chance to finish what he started.