Why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer attended surprise Premier League game before manager’s sacking – Man United News And Transfer News

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Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in attendance at Molineux on Saturday for Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Ipswich Town.

Solskjaer has been out of work since he departed United in November 2021. He took charge of 168 games during his time in the Old Trafford dugout.

He has been linked to several managerial roles but nothing has materialised yet. A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the Norwegian was contacted by Molde to make a return to the club but he turned them down.

Eyebrows were raised when Solskjaer watched from the stands as Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich beat Wolves 2-1. The result left Wolves in 19th place in the Premier League table, having lost their last four matches.

This latest setback marked the end of Gary O’Neil’s tenure as Wolves manager, with his sacking confirmed on Sunday morning.

BREAKING: Wolves sack head coach Gary O’Neil 🚨 pic.twitter.com/P38AxDJnEf

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2024

Solskjaer’s presence at Molineux sparked speculation that he was in the mix to replace O’Neil.

However, according to The Daily Mail, there was another reason why the United legend was in West Midlands.

The newspaper reveals, “Mail Sport understands that the real reason behind Solskjaer’s trip to Wolverhampton was that he had been keen to catch up with Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, who previously worked as a coach under the Norwegian at Old Trafford.”

“Solskjaer is still close friends with McKenna, as well as Ipswich coach Martyn Pert – who also used to work with him at United.”

“There were also suggestions on social media that Solskjaer had wanted to attend Saturday’s game, in part, because one of his sons is an Ipswich fan.”

David Ornstein of The Athletic notes that Wolves have already identified their preferred replacement for O’Neil and it’s not Solskajer.

It’s understood that Wolves are working on a deal to appoint Vitor Pereira as their new head coach.

Ornstein explains that Wolves are ready to pay the release clause in Pereira’s contract with Saudi Pro League outfit Al Shabab.

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