Formal approach could happen: INEOS consider Ten Hag replacement who left Man Utd staff ‘in tears’

Manchester United’s key decision-makers are reportedly mulling over the prospect of bringing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back to the club following Erik ten Hag’s sacking, according to Manchester Evening News.

It’ll come as a remarkable turn of events should anything materialise, especially given that Ten Hag was the man who succeeded Solksjaer on a permanent basis after Ralf Rangnick’s interim spell.

The ex-striker was relieved of his duties in November 2021, with United on the back of a 4-1 defeat to Watford. It marked a fifth loss in seven matches at the time – consequently leaving the club seventh-placed in the Premier League.

Such form looks worlds apart compared to now; the Reds sit 14th in the league after the opening nine matches and have won only once in their last eight games across all competitions. The choice to cut ties with Ten Hag is undoubtedly the correct one, though one that should’ve been made long ago.

Bittersweet: The aftermath of Solskjaer’s 2021 exit

Solskjaer’s departure left a sour taste for the Old Trafford faithful. If there were any manager post-Sir Alex Ferguson that fans were adamant about seeing succeed, it would’ve been him: a club legend who still held United dearly in his heart – and that was evident with every win and loss, as he felt it twice as much as those in the stands.

Just weeks after his exit, he left staff ‘in tears’ with luxurious Christmas gifts that he sent to Carrington for his former colleagues to enjoy. The Noweigan also filmed a rare exit interview, during which he became emotional when delivering his departing words to the players and supporters.

“It’s been a ball,” he told MUTV. “Let’s keep supporting this team. You’ve got to stick with them. They [the fans] have been amazing with me since one of my first kicks of the ball, I scored with one of the first ones, until now. And I’m sure we’ll meet again because if there’s anywhere I’m going to watch football games, that’s at Old Trafford.”

MEN has today revealed that, with INEOS executives analysing the free agent market for potential options to take to the dugout, they have not ruled out a ‘formal approach’ for Solskjaer. Until a permanent head coach is acquired, Ruud van Nistelrooy will be taking the reins.