UEFA officially hire former Manchester United manager

Manchester United fans have been keeping a close eye on the movements of ex-players and staff as the new season approaches, with interest particularly high in how familiar faces are navigating post-Old Trafford careers.

Managerial shifts across Europe continue to dominate headlines, with clubs scrambling to secure experienced coaches amid competitive pressures.

Tactical trends are shaping up, and pundits are analysing games with a keen eye on emerging strategies and standout performers.

UEFA competitions are already generating buzz, with clubs, fans, and analysts eager to spot influential figures both on and off the pitch.

The spotlight has also fallen on former Premier League figures, many of whom are finding unconventional ways to remain involved in football at the highest levels.

One such figure is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the former Manchester United head coach, who has already landed a new football-related role despite being sacked by Besiktas just over two months ago.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, 52, was relieved of his duties in Istanbul following a defeat to Lausanne in the Conference League play-offs, despite guiding the Turkish club to a fourth-place finish in the 2024/25 season.

This marks the fifth managerial post of his career, which began at Molde in Norway before a brief spell at Cardiff in 2014, a return to Molde, and then a high-profile period at Manchester United starting in 2018.

Despite a promising start at United, winning 14 of his first 19 matches and achieving a third-place finish in 2019/20, he was dismissed in November 2021 following a 4-1 defeat to Watford.

After more than three years out of management, he joined Besiktas in January 2025, only to part ways with the club two months later.

Now, Solskjaer has taken on the role of UEFA Technical Observer, analysing games across European competitions from a coach’s perspective.

“The role involves some games being proper written reports and some you just pick the player of the match.

“It’s for the UEFA website. For example, a couple of weeks ago, the Arsenal and Atletico Madrid game, you look at how they tactically set up.

“In the end you just have to pick the Player of the Match; best midfielder, attacker, defender, keeper and the next day you write a proper report,” Solskjaer explained on The Overlap YouTube channel.

Observers evaluate players using several metrics including skill in attack or defence, contribution to decisive actions, tactical maturity, efficiency, and attitude.

The position allows him to stay connected to the game while living in Manchester, attending English matches, and monitoring clubs across Europe.

Solskjaer also revealed that his agent has been contacted by multiple clubs and that he remains open to managing teams ranging from the Championship to the Premier League.

This move keeps Solskjaer firmly in the football spotlight while he considers his next managerial challenge, and emphasises his enduring influence on European football.