Manchester United have appointed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as caretaker manager following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho. United sought to appoint someone “familiar with the traditions of the club” after Mourinho was relieved of his duties on Tuesday morning.
Mauricio Pochettino is United’s primary long-term target but, as appointing the Tottenham Hotspur manager is seen as impossible until at least the summer, Solskjaer will take temporary charge.
Solskjaer, who scored 91 goals in 235 United appearances, joins from Molde in his native Norway after United triggered a clause in his contract. The 45-year-old is seen as a figure who understands the club’s culture and can heal the divisions fostered during Mourinho’s time at Old Trafford. Solskjaer took charge of United’s reserves from 2008 to 2011 and had an unsuccessful spell in Premier League management with Cardiff City during the 2013-14 season.