The Norwegian emerged as a hot favourite to make his comeback to Old Trafford after Ruben Amorim's sacking
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer waves from the stand alongside wife Silje and son Elijah
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer waves from the stand alongside wife Silje and son Elijah in 2019(Image: Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United forward and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the top contender to take the temporary reins at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have been actively seeking a new caretaker boss following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim last week.
Darren Fletcher oversaw Wednesday's draw against Burnley, but it appears increasingly probable that Solskjaer will return to the Old Trafford touchline when the Scot returns to his duties as Under-18s boss.
As speculation mounts about the Norwegian's potential comeback, theManchester Evening Newsdelves into the former striker's close-knit circle and who he might turn to for support if he were to accept the United job once more.
Solskjaer has been married to his wife Silje since 1992. Silje was a professional footballer herself, and the pair would train together in Norway. Solskjaer has frequently discussed his relationship.
He once said: "Silje was a very good football player. We often trained together when we were younger. Back in Clausenengen, we had a kids' football training group in the morning that I really was too old to go."
The couple have remained steadfastly committed to each other for decades, with their only brief separation occurring during Solskjaer's military service. They quickly reunited and tied the knot in Florida in 2004.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his wife Silje Solskjaer
Silje offers her husband support away from football(Image: 2020 James Gill - Danehouse)
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After being let go from United in November 2021, the former striker highlighted the crucial role his relationship with Silje, and their three children, played as he navigated the challenges of being separated from them during the Covid-19 pandemic while managing United.
"I'll spend some time with my family," he said. "That's been probably the most difficult part, through the pandemic. With Norway being open and here being closed, my family moved back to Norway. And the young one, he loves it back there, so we've lived apart. So, I'll spend some time with them."
Children
Ole and Silje became parents for the first time in June 2000 when their son Noah was born. Their daughter Karna arrived three years later, and their youngest son Elijah was born in 2008.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of Manchester United poses with his sons Noah Solskjaer (L) and Elijah Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of Manchester United poses with his sons Noah Solskjaer (L) and Elijah Solskjaer (Image: 2019 Manchester United FC)
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All three children have followed in their parents' footsteps into football. Noah started his football career with the Clausenengen youth teams. The 25-year-old striker now plays for Stjørdals-Blink in Norway.
Karna, who is now 22, is a forward for AaFK Fortuna. Elijah has also begun his football career, starting out in United's academy.
Michael Carrick
Carrick has also been mentioned as a potential returnee to United following Amorim's dismissal, possibly teaming up with Solskjaer. The former midfielder retired at the end of the 2017/18 season and subsequently worked with Jose Mourinho at United before being kept on by Solskjaer.
Mike Phelan, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick in the dugout for United back in 2019
Mike Phelan, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick in the dugout for United back in 2019(Image: 2019 Robin Jones)
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Carrick acknowledged that he was a significant source of support for Solskjaer during their time together in management. Discussing his role, he said: "I support the manager basically.
"I get in about 8.15am to help plan the session for that day and plan ahead for the next game. Whatever the manager needs I'm there to support him." The former Middlesbrough manager's experience could now make him a go-to resource once again for Solskjaer.
Sir Alex Ferguson
Despite stepping down as United's manager in 2013, Sir Alex continues to have a significant influence on all things related to the club. Having brought Solskjaer to United, it's likely that Sir Alex will be a source of support for the man formerly known as the 'Baby Faced Assassin'.
The iconic United manager has previously commended Solskjaer's ability to integrate young players into the first team, a skill that was one of Ferguson's key strengths during his tenure.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Sir Alex Ferguson speaks to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United on the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final second leg match between FC Barcelona and Manchester United at Camp Nou on April 16, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Sir Alex Ferguson(Image: Michael Regan, Getty Images)
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In early 2021, Ferguson told the BBC: "If you don't get results, there's questions to be asked. He is getting the results, he really has done very well.
"And what is really important for this club is to introduce young people, and he's given young players a chance. The young guys, if they are good enough, play them. Never a problem at this club."
Mike Phelan
Phelan departed United in 2022 and most recently served as Plymouth Argyle's assistant manager. He joined Solskjaer as his deputy during his initial stint as United manager.
Solskjaer has previously praised the 63-year-old, underlining just how crucial Sir Alex's former assistant was to the Norwegian. If he does indeed return to United, Phelan will undoubtedly be a trusted advisor.
"Mick's absolutely brilliant," Solskjaer said in 2019. "With his experience, his knowledge and personality around the place. Not just for the players and coaches, but the rest of the staff as well. Mick's tough but he's kind. He's got everything I would want in an assistant."