Manager with a 54% win rate interested in Sunderland vacancy.
According to BBC writer Nick Barnes, former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shown interest in taking over the vacant role at Sunderland this summer.
The Black Cats made their second managerial change of the season last month, removing Michael Beale after only 12 games. The former Rangers manager seemed to be under pressure from the start, but with only four victories and diminishing fan support, the writing was on the wall.
The 43-year-old succeeded Tony Mowbray in December and was charged with clinching the Wearsiders’ second consecutive Championship play-off appearance. However, battling for a spot in the Premier League suddenly appears practically impossible, with interim manager Mike Dodds unable to halt the terrible run of play, which has resulted in three losses to far.
The 37-year-old has been given interim control of the first squad for the third time and will remain in command till the conclusion of the season. The team will thereafter intensify its search for a full-time manager, with the goal of a more successful 2024/25 season.
Former managers Alex Neil and Roy Keane are apparently interested in the role, although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the most recent to be mentioned. The Norwegian has been unemployed since leaving Old Trafford in November 2021, but he has recently piqued the interest of German heavyweights Bayern Munich.
The former striker failed to win a title during his time with the Red Devils, although he came close to winning the Europa League in 2021 when his club fell to Villarreal in an exciting penalty shootout, which the Spaniards won 11–10. Despite this, he had a 54.2% win percentage in charge and finished second in the Premier League.
His interest was brought to light by journalist Nick Barnes, who provided an update while appearing on BBC Newcastle’s Total Sport programme. He stated this on the Sunderland Echo:
“Some names have been tossed in the hat. We know about Alex Neil. He is currently on an incredible Sunderland charm attack.
“Roy Keane has expressed a desire to return, but I doubt it will be under this ownership arrangement. If the ownership was correct, I could see him coming, but I don’t believe he would come with the present ownership.
“I’m informed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Scott Parker have both thrown their hats in the ring. There are other names in the frame, but we’ll have to wait and see. If they wanted Will Still in December/January, they’re probably still seeking for a coach like him. I believe a lot will rely on what happens with Kyril Louis-Dreyfusa throughout the summer, as well as if he remains here.
“Obviously, it looks like he is going to be but who knows in football and whether there would be more money available to the head coach and whether they are going to be a bit more elastic on the model in terms of signing experienced players.”
Sunderland have lost five consecutive games and face promotion-chasing Southampton tomorrow.
Some members of the media and supporters unfairly criticize Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure at Manchester United. While everything did unravel in the end, it is fair to say that he played some of the most thrilling football at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson resigned.
Having said that, he was beloved among many Red Devils fans, and they are not in a better position with his replacement, Erik ten Hag. Despite having minimal Championship experience from a failed time with Cardiff City a decade ago, it would be unfair to evaluate him just on that period. He’d be a huge coup for Sunderland.
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