Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has received strong backing for a potential return to Premier League management, with former teammate Louis Saha insisting that the Norwegian coach deserves another opportunity in England’s top division. Recent reports have linked Solskjaer with the managerial vacancy at Ipswich Town, sparking fresh discussion about his future and whether he could successfully rebuild his reputation in the Premier League.

Solskjaer, now 53 years old, has been absent from English top-flight management since leaving Manchester United in 2021. His departure from Old Trafford marked the end of a challenging period in charge of one of the world’s most demanding football clubs. Since then, his only managerial role came with Turkish powerhouse Besiktas. However, that spell proved short-lived, lasting just seven months before the club decided to part ways with him.

Despite that setback, speculation surrounding Solskjaer’s future has intensified in recent weeks. Ipswich Town, newly promoted to the Premier League, are reportedly searching for a new manager following the departure of Kieran McKenna. As the club prepares for the challenge of competing against England’s elite, Solskjaer has emerged as one of the names linked with the position.

The possibility of Solskjaer taking charge at Portman Road has generated considerable interest among football supporters and pundits alike. Many believe that managing a club such as Ipswich could provide him with the ideal environment to relaunch his managerial career. Unlike the intense scrutiny and expectations that accompany a role at Manchester United, Ipswich would offer a different challenge—one focused on building stability, developing players, and ensuring survival in the Premier League.

Among those supporting Solskjaer’s potential return is former Manchester United striker Louis Saha, who played alongside him during their time at Old Trafford. Saha has expressed confidence that Solskjaer remains capable of succeeding at the highest level and believes his previous experiences have made him a stronger coach.

Speaking about the Norwegian, Saha praised both his character and his achievements as a manager. He argued that Solskjaer performed admirably during many periods of his tenure at Manchester United, despite the difficulties that came with leading a club undergoing significant transition. According to Saha, there were stretches when United played attractive football and delivered performances that excited supporters.

At the same time, Saha acknowledged that Solskjaer faced numerous obstacles during his spell at the club. Managing a squad filled with strong personalities while attempting to establish a consistent footballing identity was far from straightforward. He suggested that some of the problems Solskjaer encountered were rooted in deeper structural issues within the club rather than solely being the responsibility of the manager.

Saha also emphasized that the years since leaving Manchester United may have benefited Solskjaer professionally. He believes that time away from the Premier League has allowed the Norwegian to reflect on his experiences, learn valuable lessons, and further develop his managerial approach. For that reason, he views a potential appointment at Ipswich as an exciting prospect for both parties.

According to Saha, starting fresh at a club with different expectations could enable Solskjaer to showcase his qualities in a more favorable environment. Rather than constantly dealing with the immense pressure associated with Manchester United, he would have the opportunity to build a project over time and apply the knowledge gained from previous successes and failures.

If Solskjaer ultimately secures the Ipswich position, it would represent the third Premier League managerial role of his career. Before taking charge of Manchester United, he managed Cardiff City during the 2013-14 season. Although his time in Wales was difficult and ended with relegation, he later rebuilt his reputation in Norway with Molde before earning the opportunity to return to Old Trafford.

His tenure as Manchester United manager remains a subject of debate among supporters. While he was unable to deliver a Premier League title, he guided the club to several notable achievements, including a second-place league finish and a Europa League final appearance. Many fans appreciated his emphasis on attacking football and his efforts to restore a positive atmosphere within the squad.

Earlier this year, Solskjaer’s name also surfaced in connection with another possible return to Manchester United. Following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, reports suggested that club executives considered bringing back the former striker on an interim or longer-term basis. Discussions reportedly took place between the club and Solskjaer regarding the possibility.

Ultimately, however, Manchester United chose a different direction. The club opted to appoint Michael Carrick instead, ending any immediate prospect of Solskjaer making a dramatic return to the dugout at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, the speculation demonstrated that he remains highly regarded by certain figures within the club and continues to be viewed as a viable managerial candidate.

Solskjaer himself has never hidden his affection for Manchester United. During a question-and-answer session at the Oslo Business Forum in 2024, he openly admitted that he would find it extremely difficult to reject an offer from the club. His comments highlighted the deep emotional connection he still feels toward the institution where he enjoyed so much success as both a player and a manager.

Reflecting on the possibility of another return, Solskjaer stated that if Manchester United ever approached him again, his answer would be an immediate yes. He explained that the club feels like family to him and suggested that his loyalty to United remains as strong as ever. At the same time, he acknowledged the importance of respecting individuals currently holding managerial positions and avoided discussing specific circumstances in detail.

Beyond club football, Solskjaer has also spoken about another ambition that could shape the next chapter of his coaching career. The former striker has expressed a strong desire to one day manage the Norwegian national team. As a proud representative of his country, he views the role as a significant honor and one that would appeal to him greatly.

He has previously stated that if the opportunity were to arise in the future, he would be eager to enter discussions regarding the position. Solskjaer emphasized his pride in Norway and his enthusiasm for contributing to the national team’s development. While he remains focused on club opportunities for now, international management clearly remains an attractive possibility.

Meanwhile, Norway’s national team is currently competing at the World Cup and has made an encouraging start to the tournament. The Norwegians opened their campaign with an impressive 4-1 victory over Iraq, boosting confidence within the squad and among supporters.

The team now faces two crucial group-stage encounters against Senegal and France. These matches will play a decisive role in determining whether Norway can progress to the knockout rounds of the competition. With the tournament being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the stakes are exceptionally high as teams battle for a place in the latter stages.

As speculation continues regarding Solskjaer’s next move, the interest surrounding his future reflects the enduring respect many within football still have for him. Whether he returns to Premier League management with Ipswich Town, eventually takes charge of Norway, or pursues another opportunity elsewhere, there is a growing sense that his managerial story is far from over. For supporters who believe he was never given a fair opportunity to complete his long-term vision at Manchester United, a successful comeback could provide the perfect opportunity for redemption and a fresh chapter in his coaching career.