Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is waiting in the wings in case Manchester United decide to call upon a former flame in the coming months.
Despite INEOS chiefs affirming their faith in Erik ten Hag only three months ago, the Dutchman finds himself navigating the forthcoming fixtures with mounting pressure on his shoulders.
Ten Hag oversaw the Red Devils’ worst-ever Premier League campaign on record last season, finishing eighth-placed, on 60 points and with a goal difference of minus one.
The side also crashed out of the Champions League at the earliest stage by failing to qualify from their group, winning just one single match and sustaining four defeats – despite being favourites to advance over the likes of Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
Yet, United’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City in May provided Ten Hag with some much-needed credit in the bank. It was expected heading into the final that he’d be relieved of his duties the subsequent summer, but the shock victory seemingly prompted INEOS to perform a U-turn.
Now that the Reds have picked up where they left off in terms of dismal form, you can’t help but question whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co are ruing their decision. United are 11th-placed in the league, claiming only seven points from the 15 available, as well as 10th in the new-look Europa League format.
Solskjaer opens door to potential Old Trafford return
It remains to be seen if Solskjaer would ever be considered a candidate to return to the Old Trafford dugout, but he’s putting himself out there just in case it’s a possibility.
When asked today whether he’d open to becoming United boss again, he responded (per Fredrik A. Filtvedt): “I don’t like to talk about jobs other managers have, but yes. Of course.”
The team tactics and set up was a total mess at times under Ole, just like it has been under Ten Hag, so no thanks. They should’ve started the new season with a new manager, I just hope they don’t drag it on all season and get shut of him before Christmas.