Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has returned to Manchester United following the club’s decision to sack Jose Mourinho.
The Norwegian coach arrives from Molde, who have given him permission to take charge of the Red Devils before returning at the end of the season.
It’s a rather strange situation but both clubs seem happy with the agreement. So too is Solskjaer.
“Manchester United is in my heart and it’s brilliant to be coming back in this role,” Solskjaer said, via Man United’s official website.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the very talented squad we have, the staff and everyone at the club.”
The 45-year-old may only be the caretaker manager but there are still targets for him to achieve.
The most important of them will be to finish in the top four of the Premier League.
Man United's January plan
Man United are currently sixth in the table, 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, but they are ready to back Solskjaer in the January transfer window.
According to the Mirror, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward realises that the squad needs improving and will provide a budget of up to £50 million in January.
That doesn’t seem like much but Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld could be available for around £30m.
A centre-back and a right-sided midfielder have been made priorities areas and the club have already shortlisted potential signings.
Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly is a target but his £90m valuation makes him unavailable next month. Porto’s 20-year-old defender Eder Militao is also under consideration.
On the right flank, Douglas Costa is out of favour at Juventus and could be an option.
The Mirror add that Solskjaer will have an input on United’s potential signings.
He arrived in Manchester on Wednesday night and will meet the squad and oversee training on Thursday morning.
Mike Phelan has returned as first-team coach and the duo will work alongside Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna to try to ensure the second half of the season is significantly better than the first half.