Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is finally back in the dugout, more than three years after leaving Manchester United.
The Norwegian was sacked by the Red Devils in November 2021 and has bided his time before returning to football. But he has now been confirmed as the new head coach of Turkish giants Besiktas.
Solskjaer certainly has a big job to do in Istanbul. Besiktas is already twenty points behind Galatasaray – who have only dropped four points all season – in the race for the Turkish crown.
But he could get a helping hand from his former employers as he tries to turn things around with his new club. Take a look at five Man United players Solskjaer could bring to Besiktas in January or in the summer:
Once upon a time, there was a £31million defender, Swedish centre-back Victor Lindelof, who was on the verge of leaving Old Trafford for nothing. The 31-year-old finds himself far down the pecking order at United after making just five Premier League appearances this season.
His contract expires at the end of the campaign and a fresh start seems best for all parties. Lindelof has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Ruud van Nistelrooy's Leicester among those interested.
But a call from Solskjaer could tempt him to move to Turkey. And while he hasn't had the best of times recently, he would be an excellent signing for Besiktas.
Once again his contract expired at the end of the season. Christian Eriksen's time at Old Trafford looked limited following the signing of Manuel Ugarte and the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo. The 32-year-old has already been linked with a number of clubs, including Celtic.
He can already start talks with foreign clubs and it would not be a surprise if Besiktas is one of them. But in the meantime, Ruben Amorim has told the Dane that he must keep performing.
He said: “It depends on the players, the work they do. He has the quality to make those kinds of passes and we need all the players to win games. Ten minutes or ninety minutes, all the players are important to play the change the course of the game.” the season.”
If Besiktas is out of contract at the end of the season, Besiktas could potentially make a move for some United would like to sell. One man at the top of that list is Brazilian winger Antony.
The former Ajax player has been a disaster at Old Trafford since a big-money move from the Eredivisie and did himself no favors by missing an open goal against Southampton. However, Besiktas could face competition for Antony's services.
Spanish side Real Betis are interested in him and are preparing for a possible loan deal, finally putting an end to his United nightmare.
Speaking of wingers in talks to leave, Marcus Rashford's future seems far away from Old Trafford. The academy graduate has been completely dropped from the squad by Amorim and looks certain to leave.
Italian side AC Milan emerged as the initial favorites to sign him, while Borussia Dortmund are now contenders for his services. Should he move to Besiktas, he would be reunited with Solskjaer after a particularly fruitful spell under the Norwegian.
Rashford, still just 27, made 135 appearances under his former boss and scored 55 goals – more than under any other manager in his career. If Solskjaer can get some form out of him with Besiktas, he will have an excellent player on his hands.
Casemiro has already been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League and it seems highly likely he will leave Old Trafford. He never played under Solskajer; Erik ten Hag signed him from Real Madrid instead.
However, he would not look out of place at Besiktas. Casemiro would play alongside compatriot and ex-Arsenal man Gabriel Paulista, while Portuguese speakers Gedson Fernandes, Joao Mario and Rafa are already at the club.
However, there may be a significant obstacle: Casemiro's enormous wages. But there is no doubt he would be a quality signing and could showcase his talent in the slower pace of the Turkish Super League.
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