Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under consideration for a return to Manchester United as the Old Trafford club have not ruled out a formal approach for him, according to Manchester Evening News.

The Red Devils parted ways with Erik ten Hag on Monday morning following a disappointing start to the 2024-25 campaign across the Premier League and Europa League, and Solskjaer has emerged as a target.

Man United figures are concerned they could struggle to buy a coach out of their contract, with the Dutchman due around PS17 million in compensation following his sacking.

They could be restricted to managerial free agents, but it remains to be seen whether the former Red Devils boss is seen as a serious long-term option for the managerial job or if they plan to bring him back as part of the backroom staff.

Solskjaer has been out of work since Man United parted with him in November 2021, with Michael Carrick taking over as caretaker until Ralf Rangnick was appointed the following month as interim manager until the end of the season.

The 51-year-old did not win any trophy with the Red Devils, losing the final of the 2020-21 Europa League, and the fans will not be pleased with the reports linking him with a possible return.

Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has been linked with the job, with assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy set to remain in charge until a permanent replacement is brought in.

Man United are currently 14th in the Premier League table after three wins, two draws and four defeats in their opening nine games of the campaign, and they eventually ran out of patience with the Dutchman.

Whoever replaces him needs to hit the ground running and help turn their fortunes around on the pitch immediately, and Solskjaer does not look capable of doing that having remained without a managerial job for three years.