“Incredible” manager is so desperate for United job he would “work for free” under INEOS – report

Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer is intent on rewriting history as Manchester United manager as Fabrizio Romano confirms talks are “well underway” for the 52-year-old to take over at Old Trafford. The Caretaker INEOS sent shockwaves across the Premier League after pulling the trigger on Ruben Amorim‘s dismissal on Monday morning. The Portuguese had publicly attacked the club’s executive branch in a fiery interview following the 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Sunday. But, in truth, United’s rulers had already decided to move on from 40-year-old coach two days prior, as he obstinately refused to evolve his 3-4-2-1 system in an explosive meeting with sporting director Jason Wilcox. INEOS were keen for Amorim’s approach to more closely align with the attacking ethos of the club – and there was positivity after the 1-0 win over Newcastle on Boxing Day came with a switch to a back four. But the decision to revert to a back three against bottom of the table Wolverhampton Wanderers just four days later – and the insipid attacking performance which followed – appears to have been the straw which broke the camel’s back, regardless of Amorim’s words at Elland Road. Under-18’s coach Darren Fletcher has taken over the senior side on a temporary basis, with matches against Burnley in the Premier League and a FA Cup third round tie with Brighton this week. But United are searching for a permanent caretaker to take charge until the end of the season and steady a sinking ship. Fletcher is one candidate, while Michael Carrick, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Solskjaer are also under consideration. But it’s the Norwegian, who previously filled this role in the wake of Jose Mourinho’s dismissal in 2018 before being offered the job permanently, who has emerged as the leading candidate, according to The Athletic. Romano corroborates this, stating Solskjaer is a “serious candidate” and the two parties are “advanc[ing] in positive talks over caretaker manager role.” Unfinished Business Solsjkaer is so keen on reclaiming the hotseat at Old Trafford that he is even willing to “work at the club for free”, according to one well-placed source. The former striker wants to “rewrite the mistakes” of his past tenure and help the Red Devils begin their rebuild at a precarious point in the season. Solsjkaer was previously dismissed as manager in 2021. But he boasted a win record of 54.7%, compared to Amorim’s dismal 31.9%, and led the club to their joint best league finish in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Managerial Statistics TeamFromToGames PlayedGames WonGames DrawnGames LostWin % Molde9 November 20102 January 201412669273054.76 Cardiff City2 January 201418 September 201430951630.00 Molde21 October 201519 December 201811866203255.93 Manchester United19 December 201821 November 202116891374054.17 Beşiktaş18 January 202528 August 202529155951.72 Total——4712509412753.08 The Baby-faced Assassin is a safe pair of hands to take the reigns of a club he loves as much as any fan in the Stretford End – he just should not be still in charge when next season starts. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.