Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to return to Old Trafford for first time since Man Utd sacking

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be at Old Trafford for Manchester United's Premier League clash with Wolves on Saturday - his first return to the stadium since he was sacked as manager.

The former striker was relieved of his duties in November 2021 after a disastrous start to a season in which the Red Devils were expected to mount a title challenge. He was replaced by Ralf Rangnick on an interim basis before Erik ten Hag became permanent manager.

After spending much of the last 18 months out of the spotlight, Norwegian journalist Fredrik Fildvedt has revealed that Solskjaer will be present at Old Trafford this weekend, marking his first appearance at Old Trafford since his final home game in charge - a 2-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City on 6 November 2021.

Solskjaer's departure from Man Utd was amicable and he even gave an exit interview with club channels at the time.

"You know what this club means to me and what I wanted to achieve here. For the club, for the fans, for the players, for the staff. I wanted us to take the next step to challenge for the league, to win trophies and I only think it's right that it comes from the horse's mouth," he said at the time.

"I don't want to answer all…there's going to be journalists asking me about interviews but no, I'm not going to do any interviews. I want to get it out there, I'm going to leave by the front door, because I think everyone knows I've given everything for this club. This club means everything to me and together we're a good match, but unfortunately I couldn't get the results we needed and it's time for me to step aside."

Indeed, Solskjaer has been true to his word and has scarcely talked about his time as manager in the media.

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In recent weeks, he talked to The Athletic about the prospects of some his coaching staff - Michael Carrick has guided Middlesbrough into the Championship play-offs from an improbably position and is attracting interest from Tottenham, while Kieran McKenna has steered Ipswich to League One promotion.

"Michael is a man of value and principles, a big family man, but his knowledge is also second to none. He's had Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho as managers, and he's played with the best players in the world. He's a winner but he's still in control of his emotions," Solskjaer said of Carrick.

"I cannot see him not being the Manchester United manager."

LISTEN NOW

On this edition of The Promised Land, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders and Rob Blanchette discuss Man Utd's recent slump in form and whether Erik ten Hag has to shoulder some of the responsibility.

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