New job for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Man Utd legend set for imminent return to management as former striker set to come up against Jose Mourinho in Turkey

According to Turkish journalist Sercan Dikme, Solskjaer is on the brink of returning to the dugout as he is poised to take over at Turkish club Besiktas. The Norwegian tactician has been without a managerial role since leaving Old Trafford in November 2021, but it is understood that he has now been presented with a compelling opportunity. His move, if confirmed, will see him come up against another former Manchester United manager -Jose Mourinho - who is currently in charge of Fenerbahce.

Besiktas have recently parted ways with Giovanni van Bronckhorst in December. Interim boss Serdar Topraktepe has been managing the team in the meantime, but the club’s hierarchy is keen to bring in a permanent solution and Solskjaer has emerged as the favoured candidate. Besiktas have formally extended an offer to Solskjaer, and the deal appears to be in the advanced stages.

Solskjaer previously managed Manchester United for over two and a half years, overseeing 149 games across all competitions. While his tenure had its highlights, including guiding the team to second place in the Premier League and reaching the Europa League final, his reign ended on a sour note following a 4-1 defeat to Watford in November 2021.

Solskjaer is expected to attend Besiktas’ upcoming match against Samsunspor as a spectator before officially taking charge of the team. His first game at the helm is likely to be against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League on January 22. The Istanbul-based club is currently facing challenges both domestically and in Europe. They are sixth in the Turkish Super Lig, struggling to keep pace with the league leaders and sit 28th in the Europa League standings.