Manchester United has appointed their former striker, Ole
Gunnar Solskjaer as the club's new interim manager following Jose Mourinho's
sacking on Tuesday.
The Old Trafford legend, 45, who scored 126 goals in 366
appearances for United during 11 seasons at the club replaces Mourinho on what
is effectively a loan move from Norwegian side Molde.
He will be joined by Mike Phelan as first-team coach, also
working alongside Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna.
In comments published on Molde's website, Solskjaer said
that he will return to the club, whose league campaign begins at the end of
March, when his duties at United are complete.
Solskjaer said on Molde's website: 'In football you never
know what can happen. We get proof of time after time. This is an opportunity I
had to take. I am looking forward to leading Manchester United until the
summer.
'At the same time, I will follow closely what is happening
here at home. We have built stone for stone and the end of the season this year
gives us hope for another good season.
'Erling, Trond and Per Magne will do a lot of work while I'm
gone. At the same time, I would like to thank the club, and Kjell Inge and
Bjorn Rune once again congratulate me on the world's biggest club.'
'Manchester United is in my heart and it's brilliant to be
coming back in this role. I'm really looking forward to working with the very
talented squad we have, the staff and everyone at the club,' said Solskjaer in
United's club statement.
United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward added in the
club's announcement: 'Ole is a club legend with huge experience, both on the
pitch and in coaching roles.
'His history at Manchester United means he lives and
breathes the culture here and everyone at the club is delighted to have him and
Mike Phelan back. We are confident they will unite the players and the fans as
we head into the second half of the season.'
