Ole Gunnar Solskjaer linked with management return more than two years after Man Utd exit

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly met with Swedish officials to talk about managing their national team.

Solskjaer has been out of work since his sacking by Manchester United in November 2021. The 50-year-old has been in regular attendance of football matches across Europe and has been analysing Champions League games as one of UEFA's technical observers.

But the legendary former striker has been open about his desire to return to elite-level management and that could see a move into international football. Swedish news outlet Fotbollskanalen reports that Solskjaer has met with national team officials and is 'interested' in the role.

The Norwegian is one of several names in the frame as Sweden looks to potentially branch away from managers inside their own country. Their hunt comes after Janne Andersson resigned in November, following his failure to qualify for Euro 2024.

Former Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg was due to replace Andersson but talks have collapsed and their expanded search has led to a meeting with Solskjaer.

The former Reds frontman and boss has not rushed a return to the dugout and has instead enjoyed coaching his youngest son, Elijah, and other youth teams. But he is expected to get back into top-level football soon. "Yes, and I’ve had offers," Solskjaer told The Athletic when asked whether he was keen to return to management. "Most recently, two from Saudi Arabia. My best mate, who is also my agent, sifts through them. If you’ve managed Man United, you put your own criteria about what you want to work with.

"I love England and the Premier League. Even the Championship feels stronger than ever, but I don’t feel bound to England. Maybe a different challenge where I need to experience a new culture and learn a new language."

Solskjaer was sacked by United in November 2021, following a dismal 4-1 defeat at Watford. That was a fifth loss in seven Premier League games and a failure to win silverware in three years at Old Trafford saw the axe wielded.

But Solskjaer did not leave Old Trafford on a bitter note and many supporters see his tenure as an enjoyable one, if not a successful one. He guided them to a Europa League final in 2021 and secured a second-placed finish in the Premier League that same year.