For Manchester United fans, the post-Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era has been anything but smooth sailing.
The Norwegian’s departure in November 2021 marked the end of a turbulent chapter, and since then, the club has seen six different managers come and go.
Amidst all the managerial changes, one thing has remained constant: the legacy of Solskjaer, the hero of the 1999 Champions League final, and the story of what he’s been up to since leaving Old Trafford.
While Manchester United’s roller-coaster ride continued, Solskjaer’s life has been notably quieter.
After his sacking, which followed a crushing 4-1 defeat to Watford, the 52-year-old former manager has taken a step back from the limelight.
He swapped the intensity of managing one of the world’s biggest football clubs for a more grounded, family-focused existence.
A Return to Family Life in Norway
After the chaotic end to his time with United, Solskjaer made it clear that he would retreat to Norway to focus on his personal life.
The Covid-19 pandemic had kept his family apart, so the Norwegian manager was eager to reconnect with his wife Silje and their three children.
The family had spent significant time apart during the pandemic, with the kids—who were aged between 10 and 18 at the time—having moved back to Norway.
Solskjaer spoke openly about missing his family and wanted to make up for lost time.
While in Norway, Solskjaer largely kept out of the public eye.
Despite receiving offers to manage other clubs and opportunities to appear as a television pundit, he turned them down.
Instead, Solskjaer split his time between his homes in Kristiansund on Norway’s scenic Atlantic coast and Cheshire, where he maintained ties with the Manchester area.
His Cheshire residence, a luxurious eco-mansion, has been in the spotlight before, with notable figures like Radamel Falcao and reportedly Virgil van Dijk having rented it in the past.
Revisiting United’s Glory Years
During his time away from the managerial spotlight, Solskjaer didn’t just sit back and relax.
He immersed himself in the memories of his time at Manchester United, re-watching every single match he managed, totaling 168 games.
It wasn’t just about reliving his personal memories; it was an effort to reflect, learn, and grow as a coach.
His passion for the game and his time with United never waned, even as he enjoyed life outside the intense spotlight.
Solskjaer was also seen reconnecting with his old coaching team, who remain some of his closest friends.
One notable occasion saw Solskjaer and Michael Carrick—his trusted assistant during his tenure at United—watching Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town take on Doncaster Rovers in a League One game back in 2022.
Solskjaer’s New Role with UEFA
As the years went on, Solskjaer found new ways to stay connected to the football world.
In 2024, he joined UEFA as a technical observer.
In this role, he attended major competitions like Euro 2024 and the ongoing Champions League, analyzing games from a coaching perspective.
Solskjaer’s job wasn’t just to watch matches; he provided valuable feedback, including reports on player performances and trends in tactics.
His insights helped UEFA better understand the game at all levels, from youth football to the highest competition.
Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martinez, who also holds a similar role, explained the value of technical observers: “It’s not just about watching games for specific reasons.
It’s about seeing the bigger picture—understanding the evolution of the game and its tactics.”
A Possible United Return: Solskjaer’s Future in Football
As time passed, Solskjaer remained open to the idea of returning to management.
In 2024, during a business forum in Oslo, he publicly stated that if Manchester United came calling, he would return to the club “every day of the week.”
He made it clear that, despite Erik ten Hag being in charge, the United job would always hold a special place in his heart.
“If the family asks, I would say yes every day of the week,” Solskjaer said, reaffirming his deep connection to the club.
In the meantime, he enjoyed a peaceful life in his hometown of Kristiansund, where he moved into a stunning lakeside house.
With panoramic views over the city, the house was a perfect place for Solskjaer to unwind and enjoy time with his family.
Yet even as he embraced this calmer lifestyle, the idea of returning to football lingered.
Solskjaer Takes On Besiktas: A New Chapter in Turkey
In January 2025, after more than three years out of management, Solskjaer took the reins at Turkish Super Lig club Besiktas.
The role marked a new chapter in his coaching career, and he guided the club to a respectable fourth-place finish in his first season.
However, his second season with Besiktas was short-lived.
After just seven games into the current campaign, Solskjaer was let go following a string of disappointing results, including a loss to Swiss side Lausanne in the Conference League play-offs.
Besiktas also failed to qualify for European football that season, which likely contributed to the decision to part ways.
After Besiktas: Solskjaer’s Return to UEFA and Future Prospects
Following his departure from Besiktas, Solskjaer returned to his role at UEFA.
He continued attending Champions League matches, including the recent encounter between Manchester City and Real Madrid, where City triumphed 2-1.
Solskjaer also found himself back in Manchester, where he has reportedly stayed to keep up his connections within the football community.
In October, Solskjaer was linked with the vacant Rangers job after Russell Martin’s sacking. However, the job ultimately went to Danny Rohl. Solskjaer has also made appearances on podcasts, such as The Overlap, where he mentioned staying in the area to “network” and keep in touch with the game.
Whether or not a return to the Manchester United job will materialize remains uncertain, but if it does, Solskjaer has certainly positioned himself to be in the mix.
The Waiting Game: Will Solskjaer Be Back at Old Trafford?
As Solskjaer continues to navigate his post-Man United journey, it’s clear that his passion for football has never truly left him.
Whether working behind the scenes at UEFA, keeping up with the game, or pondering a future return to management, Solskjaer’s story is far from over.
As Manchester United continues to search for stability, the possibility of him returning to the Old Trafford dugout remains an intriguing thought for many fans.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn