Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the former Manchester United striker and manager, is on the cusp of a return to football management with Turkish giants Besiktas. Negotiations between Solskjaer and the Istanbul-based club are reportedly in their final stages, culminating in a potential one-and-a-half-year contract for the Norwegian. Solskjaer is anticipated to be present in the stands for Besiktas’s upcoming league fixture against Samsunspor, a symbolic gesture signaling his imminent takeover. This move marks Solskjaer’s return to the managerial arena after a two-year hiatus following his departure from Manchester United in 2021.
Solskjaer’s managerial career began in his native Norway with Molde, where he achieved notable success, securing two Tippeligaen titles. He subsequently ventured into the Premier League, taking the reins at Cardiff City in 2014. However, his time in Wales proved challenging, with the club ultimately suffering relegation from the top flight. His return to Molde followed, before the allure of Old Trafford beckoned in 2018. Initially appointed as caretaker manager following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho, Solskjaer’s impact was immediate and positive, leading to his permanent appointment.
Solskjaer’s tenure at Manchester United began with a surge of optimism and improved performance. He guided the team to a second-place finish in the Premier League during the 2020-21 season and also steered them to the Europa League final, ultimately losing to Villarreal in a penalty shootout. Despite these positive strides, inconsistent results and a perceived lack of tactical acumen led to increasing pressure. The 2021-22 season commenced with a series of disappointing performances, culminating in his dismissal in November 2021.
Since his departure from Manchester United, Solskjaer has remained largely out of the spotlight, fueling speculation about his future plans. He has been linked with several managerial vacancies, including positions at Leicester City and West Ham United, and even a potential return to Old Trafford before Ruben Amorim’s appointment. His decision to join Besiktas marks a new chapter in his career, offering an opportunity to rebuild his reputation in a different footballing landscape. Besiktas, currently sixth in the Turkish Super Lig, presents a challenging yet potentially rewarding project for Solskjaer.
The Turkish Super Lig provides a competitive and often unpredictable environment. Besiktas, one of Turkey’s most storied clubs, are aiming to climb the table and challenge for domestic honors. Currently, Galatasaray leads the league, with Fenerbahçe, managed by another former Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, in pursuit. Mourinho’s recent public criticism of the league’s officiating and overall environment, describing it as “toxic,” adds another layer of intrigue to Solskjaer’s impending arrival. The Norwegian will undoubtedly face scrutiny and pressure to deliver results in this demanding setting.
Solskjaer’s arrival at Besiktas signifies not only a personal comeback but also a fascinating subplot within the broader narrative of the Turkish Super Lig. His experience in the Premier League, coupled with his previous success at Molde, equips him with a blend of tactical understanding and man-management skills. The challenge lies in adapting to the Turkish league’s unique dynamics, managing player expectations, and navigating the intense pressure that comes with managing a club of Besiktas’s stature. The footballing world will be watching closely to see how Solskjaer fares in this new chapter of his managerial journey.
