The Norwegian will take charge until the end of the season
Manchester United have confirmed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the club’s former striker, will take charge as caretaker manager for the rest of the season.
Jose Mourinho left his position as manager on Tuesday morning, less than two days after United lost 3-1 to Liverpool at Anfield. Having overseen a disastrous start to the season, the club has taken the decision to appoint a temporary manager before bringing in a more long-term manager in the summer.
Although Solskjaer’s former United teammate Laurent Blanc was also linked with the role, United have now confirmed the Norwegian will take up the position with immediate effect ahead of this weekend’s game against Cardiff City – the club he previously managed.
He will be joined by Mike Phelan as first-team coach, with Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna also forming part of the coaching set up.
“Manchester United is in my heart and it’s brilliant to be coming back in this role. I’m really looking forward to working with the very talented squad we have, the staff and everyone at the club,” he said in a statement.
“Ole is a club legend with huge experience, both on the pitch and in coaching roles,” added Ed Woodward. “His history at Manchester United means he lives and breathes the culture here and everyone at the club is delighted to have him and Mike Phelan back. We are confident they will unite the players and the fans as we head into the second half of the season.”
In terms of a permanent replacement for Mourinho, Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has been named as an early favourite, though United would have to pay a huge amount to release him from his contract with the north London club.
Solskjaer has recently been in his second spell as manager of Molde in his homeland. He played for United between 1996 and 2007, famously scoring the stoppage-time winner against Bayern Munich in the European Cup final which clinched United’s Treble in 1999.
