Former United boss Solskjaer returns to management with Besiktas | OneFootball

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been confirmed as the new head coach at Turkish Süper Lig side Besitkas.

The 51-year-old returns to management for the first time since he was dismissed as Manchester United manager in November 2021, and signs an 18-month deal with an option of an additional season running until the end of the 2026/27 season.

Besiktas are 16-time champions of the Turkish Süper Lig and are sixth in the table, already 21 points behind leaders Galatasaray. The Eagles have been without a permanent boss since Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst left in November.

The Turkish side are also struggling in the Europa League league phase, placing 28th out of 36 teams with just six points from the first six matches. They are only one point off the play-off positions but are outsiders for these spots.

In a statement released by Besiktas, they said: “We believe Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will make significant contributions to our club, and we warmly welcome him to the Besiktas family, wishing him great success.”

Speaking to media following the announcement, Solskjaer said: “I’ve had a very nice first meeting with the members of the board here. It’s fantastic to be here in this beautiful city.”

The former striker replaced Jose Mourinho on an interim basis at Old Trafford in December 2018, before signing a three-year contract in March 2019.

He guided the Red Devils to a second-place Premier League finish and Europa League final during his time in charge, but he was dismissed following a poor run of form and left the club without winning a trophy.

Before his appointment by United, Solskjaer had two stints in charge of Molde and one at Cardiff City.

Solskjaer will come up against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on May 4 when Besiktas travel to the Ulker Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

Solskjaer’s final press conference as Manchester United manager.