Ole Gunnar Solskjaer snubbed managerial return with Republic of Ireland - with former Manchester United team-mate John O'Shea now favourite to take over

The Norwegian and Old Trafford favourite has been out of work since being sacked as United boss in November 2021. The 51-year-old has been linked with a number of jobs but is yet to return to the dugout, and now he is reportedly out of the running to be Ireland's next manager, too.

United journalist Andy Mitten claimed he spoke to Solskjaer, who politely declined the Ireland job earlier this year.

He tweeted: "Keep getting asked about the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for Republic of Ireland job story. Spoke to him. He has no idea where it came from. He has complete respect for the country and did speak briefly about the job in Jan, but decided it wouldn't be right for him. Have a good weekend."

Solskjaer's former United team-mate John O'Shea is reportedly favourite to land the Ireland role after taking charge on an interim basis.

On his future, the ex-striker said on The Overlap: "I have a few offers but I'm not ready. It's got to be somewhere I can be myself not like anyone dictating 'you need to do this, you need to do that'. Because when you have been at United and managed them. You learn a few things and you want to do it your way the next time."

While Solskjaer is looking for a return to management at some point, his former side United are next in action in the Premier League on Saturday evening when they travel to Bournemouth.