Could a Premier League legend make a surprising return to English football's second tier? Ole Gunnar Solskjær, the former Manchester United hero, has dropped a bombshell—he’s open to managing in the Championship. But here’s where it gets intriguing: after a tumultuous stint at Old Trafford and a brief, ill-fated spell with Beşiktaş, Solskjær is now eyeing a role that might seem like a step down for someone of his stature. Or is it? And this is the part most people miss: the Championship is a hotbed of talent, fierce competition, and a proving ground for managers with something to prove. Solskjær, known for his underdog spirit, seems ready to roll up his sleeves and dive back into the beautiful game.
The Norwegian icon, beloved by United fans for his clinical finishing during his playing days, faced a tougher challenge in the dugout. Managing the Red Devils from 2018 to 2021, he endured harsh criticism for the team’s inconsistent performances. Yet, as recent history has shown, the Old Trafford hot seat is no walk in the park for any manager. After a hiatus from management and a short-lived stint in Turkey, Solskjær is now resetting his sights—and the Championship is calling his name.
In a candid interview on The Overlap, Solskjær admitted, ‘I’m looking and I’m open. It’s not that I’m desperate, but I love living here [in England].’ He even revealed a personal twist: when his kids ask about his next move, he’s clear—‘Mid-Championship and up. I’m a football man.’ This humility, paired with his ambition to defy the odds, paints a picture of a manager hungry to rebuild his reputation.
But here’s the controversial bit: Is the Championship a step backward for Solskjær, or a strategic move to reclaim his managerial mojo? Some argue it’s a downgrade, while others see it as a smart play to rediscover success in a league known for its unpredictability. After all, he’s no stranger to the division, having briefly managed Cardiff City in 2014–15. With Middlesbrough, Norwich City, and Southampton currently managerless, opportunities are knocking.
The Middlesbrough role, recently vacated by Rob Edwards and previously held by Solskjær’s ex-teammate Michael Carrick, is particularly intriguing. Could this be the perfect platform for Solskjær to silence his critics? Or will the Championship prove to be another bumpy ride? What do you think—is Solskjær making the right move, or is he biting off more than he can chew? Let us know in the comments below. One thing’s for sure: the Championship just got a whole lot more interesting.
