Ole Gunnar Solskjaer among options considered by Manchester United as they look to replace Erik ten Hag: Reports

Former Manchester United striker and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly among a number of coaching options to replace Erik ten Hag.

On Monday (October 28), the Red Devils revealed that they have parted ways with Ten Hag following their recent 2-1 Premier League away loss at West Ham United. They have named Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was Ten Hag's assistant, as their new interim manager for now.

Now, according to Manchester Evening News, the Old Trafford outfit have decided to not rule out a formal approach for Solskjaer due to their financial situation. They are expected to pay Ten Hag £17 million as the Dutch tactician had a contract until June 2028 at the club.

Manchester United co-owners INEOS are aiming to continue with their cost-cutting stance and, as a result, have not yet ruled out a move for Solskjaer. However, the Norwegian could also possibly rejoin his former team as a backroom staff member in the near future.

Solskjaer, who was relieved of his duties as the Red Devils manager in November 2021, was named Manchester United's boss in 2019 after initially impressing in an interim role. He helped United finish third and second in the 2019-20 and the 2020-21 seasons respectively.

During his three-year stint, Solskjaer guided his former team to 92 wins, 35 draws, and 41 defeats in 168 matches across all competitions.

Why did Manchester United fire Erik ten Hag?

BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone has shed light on why Manchester United chose to sack ex-Ajax manager Erik ten Hag. He wrote (h/t BBC):

"Club sources have told me that sacking Ten Hag now was a difficult and finely balanced decision, but a collective and unanimous one. They had wanted to give Ten Hag the opportunity to work within a new sporting structure, but the results and performances had not been good enough last season and into this campaign."

Asserting that United were underperforming, Stone continued:

"United wanted to have continuity at a time of significant change, but felt they were not seeing the momentum and progress to believe they were on the right path. For the second season in a row, United have had a poor start in the league and have also failed to win their first three Europa League games from winning positions."

Before being let go, Ten Hag guided Manchester United to just four triumphs in 14 games across all competitions in the ongoing 2024-25 term.

The Red Devils will next face Leicester City in a EFL Cup last-16 clash on October 30 before hosting Chelsea in the league on November 3.