Theory emerges on why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was overlooked for Man Utd job

View 3 Images

Simon Jordan believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was overlooked for the Manchester United job because appointing him would have been based on sentiment rather than merit. The Norwegian managed the Red Devils for nearly three years between 2018 and 2021.

Following Ruben Amorim's exit, United have finally appointed a new head coach to see out the remainder of the season. Darren Fletcher had been at the helm for two fixtures, a 2-2 draw with Burnley and an FA Cup defeat to Brighton , but Michael Carrick has now taken charge .

Carrick previously managed United on a caretaker basis when Solskjaer was dismissed in November 2021. During his brief spell, he secured two victories from three matches and drew the other.

For some time, the Norwegian appeared to be the frontrunner to replace Amorim on an interim basis, but Carrick was ultimately given the role. Former Crystal Palace chairman Jordan suggests Solskjaer was passed over because his appointment wouldn't have been seen as forward-thinking, with popularity alone insufficient grounds for his return.

"Carrick did a good job at Middlesbrough. But it's interesting, when I was speaking to most people last week, there were various people finding out whether Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in the frame," Jordan said on talkSPORT .

"Mike Phelan hadn't been contacted. And there is this thought process that Phelan and Solskjaer travel together, as we've seen previously.

"So, whether they have reacted to the public backlash or the perception of people criticising the fact that this appointment hadn't worked previously, and you'd be going back without any innovation.

View 3 Images

"Or whether Carrick... Because I heard that Carrick wants to be a coach, wants to be a No. 2, doesn't want to be a frontman. But he clearly did a decent job at Middlesbrough. Clearly he's a sensible head.

"It looks different, and that's I think one of the criticisms about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Not against Ole, I have my own views on whether he's a good manager or not.

"But because it didn't look particularly, in any shape or form, like there was any thinking behind it. 'Oh, okay, that looks like a popular fit and everyone likes him. He's unchallenging in people's minds.'

"That might well be the challenge that Man United have to do now, which is keep on playing to an optic rather than getting an outcome. We'll see. As I say, Carrick has done a decent job at Middlesbrough, but Man United is a whole different ball game."

View 3 Images

Upon his appointment as head coach, Carrick expressed confidence in his ability to bring out the best in his United players. He said: "Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour.

"I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing."

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.