OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has been named as new manager of Turkish giants Besiktas.
The Norwegian boss, 51, has been away from the game for FOUR YEARS following his Manchester United axe in 2021.
But now Super Lig side Besiktas have confirmed a shock new job for former Molde and Cardiff chief, Solskjaer.
In a simple announcement on X, Besiktas wrote, “Ole, Ole, Ole”, complete with a snap of the new boss draped in a club scarf.
Solskjaer replaces Holland legend and ex-Arsenal star Giovanni van Bronckhorst – who was axed last month – in Istanbul.
The former Red Devils super-sub striker helped guide United to a second-place finish in the Premier League and reached a Europa League final during his near-three-year reign.
Solskjaer is set to watch Besiktas’ next game – against Samsunspor this weekend – from the stands in Istanbul.
The 51-year-old has been linked to the vacant Leicester and West Ham jobs over the past year.
He was also touted for a shock return to Old Trafford before Ruben Amorim took the helm following Erik ten Hag’s axe.
Solskjaer spent nine seasons with United as a player, winning six Premier League titles and scoring over 100 goals – including his famous goal in the 1999 Champions League final in United’s Treble season.
Best new sign-up offers
SunSport exclusives
He was handed the reins as Man Utd boss in 2018 following a successful stint as interim boss, which included the famous, youth-led win over PSG in Paris.
Solskjaer has also taken charge of Cardiff City and Molde, twice winning the Tippeligaen with the Norwegian side.
Solskjaer’s managerial record
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has returned to management after four years out.
But how has the Manchester United leged fared at his previous clubs?
Molde FK (First Spell): 2010 – 2014
Games: 122
Wins: 68
Draws: 24
Losses: 30
Win Percentage: 55.74%
Cardiff City: 2014 – 2014
Games: 30
Wins: 9
Draws: 5
Losses: 16
Win Percentage: 30.00%
Molde FK (Second Spell): 2015 – 2018
Games: 118
Wins: 66
Draws: 19
Losses: 33
Win Percentage: 55.93%
Manchester United: 2018 – 21 November 2021
Games: 168
Wins: 91
Draws: 37
Losses: 40
Win Percentage: 54.17%
Besiktas are currently sixth in the Turkish Super Lig with 30 points from 18 games.
Leaders Galatasaray are in charge of the title race, with Fenerbache – led by Jose Mourinho, the man Solskjaer replaced at Old Trafford – giving chase.
The Special One has railed against the Super Lig and its officials in recent weeks, branding the league “toxic”.
Besiktas also sit 28th in the 36-team Europa League group stage – just one point outside of the play-off places.
3
