One former Manchester United boss is out of work, just as the current one comes under added pressure.
Manchester United have been a tough watch over the past two matches, drawing with Fulham and then Grimsby Town, before losing to the latter on penalties.
Three games into the season without a win, even a victory over Burnley this weekend might not be enough to lift the mood.
Pressure is building on Ruben Amorim, with Manchester United fans hearing his postgame comments against Grimsby as a sign he was considering quitting.
Developments in Turkey are unlikely to help the situation.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claps Besiktas fans.
Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer leaves Besiktas
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made his return to management with Besiktas in January 2025, taking his first job after leaving Manchester United.
Solskjaer was appointed as United interim boss in 2019, before being fired in November 2021.
He won nine of 17 matches in charge of Besiktas last season, which included a five-game winning streak, but he has now left the club.
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Following a Europa Conference League defeat to Ineos-owned Swiss club Lausanne, Besiktas released a statement confirming Solskjaer’s exit.
Besiktas’ statement read: “Our contract with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been terminated following a decision made at the board meeting.
“Following the meeting, our chairman, Serdal Adalı, thanked Solskjaer for his services to date.”
Timing will not help Ruben Amorim
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s spell at Manchester United ended trophyless, yet he also achieved a second-placed finish in the Premier League, and a third-placed finish.
And when you compare this to Manchester United finishing in 15th place in 2024/25, it’s easy to consider that the Norwegian coach’s tenure was underrated.
United fans have struggled to see the benefits of Amorim’s tactical system that has looked a poor fit for the Premier League, wondering if a more simplistic 4-3-3 may be better suited, the tactics used by Solskjaer.
Solskjaer also had a special connection with United fans, owing to his playing days, and many supporters during his stint felt closer to the club than at any time during the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
If the United job was available, Solskjaer probably would have left Besiktas in a heartbeat to take it, but this won’t be a dilemma for him now he is out of work.
It is worth noting that Ineos did not call on Solskjaer after Erik ten Hag’s sacking, but if Ruben Amorim suddenly walks away, their next move is unclear. And they could do worse…