Solskjaer Resumes Technical Observer Role Amid United’s Managerial Debate

omidbasir- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has returned to his role as a UEFA technical observer, a position he has held since departing from Manchester United in 2021. He briefly paused this role during his tenure as head coach of Besiktas in 2025. Solskjaer’s match-reporting duties will recommence with Liverpool’s Champions League match against Qarabag this Wednesday.

Liverpool is in urgent need of a victory to secure an automatic qualification spot in the Round of 16, while head coach Arne Slot faces mounting pressure regarding his position amid a challenging Premier League title defense.

UEFA typically appoints experienced managers not currently affiliated with clubs to serve as technical observers. They provide public reports analyzing the tactical nuances of matches. Recently, former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou praised Arsenal after witnessing their 3-1 victory against Inter Milan.

Solskjaer had expressed interest in reclaiming the managerial position at Manchester United for the remainder of the season and potentially beyond. However, the board opted for a more hands-on tactician in Michael Carrick, who has already achieved impressive victories against the Premier League’s top two teams, defeating Manchester City 2-0 and Arsenal 3-2 away.

Ahead of the win against Arsenal, Carrick confirmed he has kept in touch with Solskjaer. “Yes, I’ve spoken to him,” Carrick stated. “We’re close. We’ve been through a lot together, so he’s been fully supportive, as expected. I have immense respect for him. He wished us well and was pleased with our result.”

Carrick noted that Solskjaer is “available if I ever need him,” but he also mentioned that he prefers not to burden others unnecessarily.

Since returning to the Old Trafford dugout, Carrick has secured two significant wins, continuing his unbeaten streak from his interim role following Solskjaer’s departure. However, there remains a debate regarding his suitability for a permanent managerial position.

Roy Keane has voiced skepticism, suggesting, “Even if United wins every match until the season’s end, I still wouldn’t endorse him for the job. They require a more experienced manager—it’s as simple as that.”

Gary Neville echoed this sentiment, stating, “I don’t believe he is the right person to lead Manchester United back to league titles. It’s appropriate for Michael Carrick to finish the season before passing the reins to a world-class manager like Thomas Tuchel or Carlo Ancelotti.”

Conversely, former teammate Rio Ferdinand criticized such views, advocating for more support for Carrick. “Michael Carrick has come in with a strong approach, stating: ‘Get behind me; I will implement a structure that suits our players. We will be difficult to play against and a genuine threat. My first two matches are against Manchester City and Arsenal.’

He secured six points! Yet, some argue that regardless of his success, he doesn’t deserve the chance to manage Manchester United. That is simply unacceptable. What basis do you have for such a claim? It’s outrageous.”