In an intriguing managerial move, former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær has taken the reins at Turkish footballing institution Besiktas. The 51-year-old Norwegian, who has been out of management since his Old Trafford exit in November 2021, sees distinct parallels between his new role in Istanbul and the project he undertook at United.
Shades of Manchester
Solskjær, who famously guided United to a third-place Premier League finish as caretaker manager before earning a permanent contract, drew comparisons between the current state of affairs at Besiktas and the situation he inherited at Old Trafford:
This project seems a little bit like Manchester United for me. We were sixth, then we become third and then second. And this is step by step.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
The 16-time Turkish champions currently sit sixth in the Super Lig standings, having been without a permanent manager since the departure of Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November. Solskjær aims to replicate the gradual progress he oversaw at United, steadily propelling Besiktas up the table and into title contention.
Realistic Ambitions
While expressing his desire to achieve success swiftly, the former Red Devils striker acknowledged the need for pragmatism:
And of course we’re here to win, so hopefully we can make it faster. But we have to be realistic.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Solskjær, who had been working with UEFA during his hiatus from club management, revealed he had received numerous offers but felt the Besiktas opportunity represented the ideal challenge to reignite his managerial fire.
Youth Development
In a nod to his penchant for nurturing young talent, as evidenced by his promotion of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood at United, Solskjær spoke glowingly of Besiktas’ emerging stars:
A little bit unfair to compare with Erling Haaland, because Haaland is one of the best strikers in the world, but we will help them to become as good as they can get.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær on Besiktas youngsters Semih Kiliçsoy and Mustafa Hekimoglu
Mourinho Reunion
In a twist of fate, Solskjær’s Besiktas will face off against city rivals Fenerbahce, now managed by Jose Mourinho, the man he replaced at United back in December 2018. The two tacticians are set to renew acquaintances in May, adding an layer of intrigue to an already spicy Istanbul derby.
European Ambitions
Besiktas also harbor ambitions of a deep run in the Europa League. Currently sitting 28th in the competition’s standings and just a point off the play-off places, Solskjær will be hoping to mastermind a continental resurgence alongside domestic improvement.
As the affable Norwegian embarks on this new chapter in his managerial career, the parallels with his United tenure are unmistakable. Should Solskjær successfully steer Besiktas back to the summit of Turkish football and make waves in Europe, it would go a long way towards validating the promise he showed during his rollercoaster ride in the Old Trafford hot seat.
