Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees post Man United exile end with left-field return to football after two years out

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has landed a new role in football as a technical observer for UEFA - almost two years after the axe fell on the Norwegian at Manchester United.

The former Red Devils striker left Old Trafford in November 2021 after almost three years at the helm as he failed to turn around the fallen giants’ fortunes. The 50-year-old rejected the chance to take over his national team’s women’s side and also reportedly had offers in the Saudi Pro League.

After landing his new position at European football’s governing body, he said: "I’m doing a lot of coaching, four times per week, and we have three teams. I’m helping the kids, who enjoy it. You see a different side to football, the grassroots – except it’s all plastic pitches here. You see the brightness in their eyes, they listen to you, they want to learn.

"But you start to miss it (professional football) when you see the games, either in person or on television. Since I left United, I’ve travelled around as a fan with my kids, going to places like Napoli, Milan and Dortmund to experience games. We loved it.

"My role with UEFA means watching Champions League matches in person. I can watch teams from a different perspective than being a manager: analyse them, solve problems, see how both teams will try to hurt each other.”

On returning to management in the future, he said: "I love England and the Premier League. Even the Championship feels stronger than ever, but I don’t feel bound to England. Maybe a different challenge where I need to experience a new culture and learn a new language. The DNA and identity of the club are important, a club where I can be the best me. It has to be a match. Maybe I made the wrong decision to go to Cardiff, for example, where there