Ole Gunnar Solskjaer set for managerial return & will reunite with Man United player who ‘openly challenged’ him

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has been out of management since he was sacked at Manchester United in November 2021 but looks close to a return.

Solskjaer, 50, started a role as a UEFA technical observer at the beginning of the season and has written detailed reports on Champions League football, including on his former target Jude Bellingham.

However, the ex-United player, coach and manager is now set to return to the dugout for the first time in over two years with an opportunity in Turkey arising.

According to NTV Spor, Solskjaer is moving towards joining Besiktas and becoming their third manager of the season, and talks are ongoing with the manager.

The Istanbul-based club are currently sitting fifth in the Süper Lig table and are 17 points away from the top of the league.

Solskjaer has kept a low profile since leaving Old Trafford and has only done a handful of public interviews. He now has the chance to return to European football and will be joining one of his former United players in Turkey.

Eric Bailly moved to Besiktas last summer on a free transfer and was often a squad player under Solskjaer at United.

The defender felt that he deserved more chances under the Norweigan, who often stuck to his favoured centre-back Harry Maguire, who he signed from Leicester City.

In fact, a report from the Telegraph explained that Bailly ‘openly challenged’ Solskjaer in the dressing room when United lost against The Foxes in October 2021 because he started Maguire, who was not fully fit, ahead of him.

Bailly has made eight appearances for the Turkish club so far this season after injuries have interrupted yet another campaign for the Ivorian defender.