Manchester United is reportedly preparing to turn back to a familiar face after parting ways with Rúben Amorim, prompting a review of Ole Gunnar Solskjær's achievements at the club.
On 7 Jan 2025 GMT+7, following the official departure of Portuguese coach Rúben Amorim from Manchester United, the name Ole Gunnar Solskjær resurfaced. Trusted football journalists David Ornstein and Laurie Whitwell identified him as the leading candidate to become United's interim manager.
Here are the key achievements of Ole Gunnar Solskjær during his time managing Manchester United from 2018 to 2021.
Solskjær initially served as caretaker manager after José Mourinho was dismissed, impressively going unbeaten in 11 consecutive matches. This success earned him a permanent three-year contract after leading the team to a miraculous victory in Paris.
Overall managerial record (all competitions):
Solskjær managed 168 matches for Manchester United, securing 92 wins, 35 draws, and 41 losses. His teams scored 323 goals and conceded 198, with a win rate of 54%, including one runner-up finish in the 2020-21 Europa League.
Biggest win: 9-0 against Southampton (February 2021).
Heaviest defeat: 0-5 against Liverpool (October 2021).
Premier League standings during Solskjær’s tenure:
2018/19: 6th place (took over mid-season).
2019/20: 3rd place.
2020/21: Runner-up (2nd place), also set a record for the longest unbeaten away run in the league with 28 matches.
2021/22: Dismissed in November 2021 following a 1-4 loss to Watford.
Key highlights and "peak moments":
The night in Paris (2019): Led United to a stunning 3-1 comeback win over PSG in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 after losing the home leg 0-2, becoming the first manager in UCL history to advance after a two-goal home loss in the first leg.
Red Devils DNA: Revived the dressing room atmosphere and emphasized the club’s signature quick counter-attacking style.
Youth development: Promoted Mason Greenwood to the first team and gave opportunities to several youth players, as well as signing key player Bruno Fernandes.
"Weaknesses" and failures:
Semi-final curse: Solskjær led the team to multiple semi-finals but often fell short, being eliminated at this stage four times in various competitions consecutively.
Europa League runner-up: Came closest to winning a trophy but lost on penalties to Villarreal in the final, ending his Manchester United managerial career without a silverware.
Defensive and tactical issues: Frequently criticized for slow in-game adjustments and problems defending set-pieces.
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