OFFICIAL: Former United boss Solskjaer becomes Besiktas manager

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is back to coaching after leaving his position at Manchester United just over three years ago. The 51-year-old is officially the new head coach of Besiktas, as confirmed by the club on Friday.

The Turkish side, currently sitting 6th with 30 points in the Super Lig standings, have been without a permanent manager since the departure of Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November. The Dutchman lasted only five months at the helm before facing the sack.

According to 'Sports Digitale', the ex-Man United player and boss landed in Istanbul to pen a one-and-a-half-year deal with Besiktas which sees him take over from interim manager Serdar Topraktepe. Solskjaer is now all lined up to face Jose Mourinho, who is in charge of Fenerbahce. 

Solskjaer replaced Mourinho on an interim basis at United in December 2018 before taking on the permanent role in March 2019. With the Norwegian in the dugout for two full seasons, the Red Devils came third and second in the Premier League and reached the Europa League final in 2021 - lost against Villarreal in a penalty shootout.

 

January 17, 2025