Solskjaer has been out of coaching work since the Red Devils swung the axe in December 2021, ending his three-year tenure at Old Trafford.
After an extended period of silence away from the relentless spotlight that comes with managing one of the world’s three most-scrutinised football clubs, the Norwegian icon has recently spoken out.
Last September, Solskjaer discussed a variety of topics with The Athletic in his first public address since losing his dream job at the club where he became a legend as a player.
The 50-year-old backed Ten Hag then and repeated his sentiment on Friday, during one of three scheduled appearances in India this month.
“I know exactly what he [Ten Hag] is going through, in the good times and the hard times. We want to get back to the top, and I hope it will be with Erik,” Solskjaer told supporters and media in Bangalore.
Solskjaer’s time in the Old Trafford dugout concluded without silverware despite coming close numerous times. While United faltered on the pitch, his affection for the club was never up for debate.
His public support of Ten Hag speaks volumes of his desire for United to restore former glories. And he also wants the club to make strides off the pitch.
The M16 giants are weighing up grand plans to redevelop or rebuild Old Trafford as Ratcliffe prepares to bolster infrastructure with his investment.
And Solskjaer – who will also appear in Mumbai and Delhi – has called out United for falling behind their rivals, claiming they need to put one of the two plans into action.
He said: “We have to move with the times, and something has to happen. It’s either a renovation or a new stadium because we are falling behind.
“It’s definitely going to divide the fans because the story is important, but we’ve moved from The Cliff, which was iconic for United and the Busby Babes, to Carrington.”
Whether Ten Hag will still be in the job when United get the wheels rolling on plans to upgrade Old Trafford remains to be seen.
But Solskjaer is among those in strong support of the Dutchman to spearhead the club’s venture into a new age.
