Solskjaer Eyes Haaland Reunion as He Plots Managerial Return

Erling Haaland transfer is once again in the spotlight as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals his strong desire to reunite with the Manchester City superstar. The Manchester United legend and former manager, currently out of work, has openly discussed the possibility of coaching Haaland again—this time on the international stage with Norway, as the national squad edges closer to 2026 World Cup qualification.

Solskjaer’s Haaland Ambitions and the Norwegian National Team

Solskjaer previously played a pivotal role in Erling Haaland’s early development while coaching him at Molde. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Solskjaer expressed not only his openness to new managerial roles but also his admiration for Haaland’s journey to football superstardom. With Norway set to end a decades-long absence from the World Cup after their recent 4-1 win over Estonia—with Haaland netting twice—speculation grows that a Solskjaer-Haaland reunion could boost their international prospects even further.

Currently, Solskjaer is not actively pursuing any one position, stating, “I’m looking. I’m open. It’s about working with people and helping them become their best selves.” Still, he made it clear that, should the opportunity arise—particularly if current Norway coach Stale Solbakken moves on—he would relish a chance to manage Haaland again. “Who wouldn’t want to work with Erling Haaland again?” he added.

The Missed Opportunity: Haaland and Manchester United

Solskjaer’s connection to Haaland runs deep. The legendary striker once urged Manchester United to sign Haaland before his move to RB Salzburg, believing the forward would become world-class. Unfortunately, his transfer recommendations were not heeded, and Haaland’s value soared after stellar performances in Austria and Germany, before his blockbuster move to Manchester City in 2022.

Reflecting on that period, Solskjaer shared, “The summer before I got to United, I called the club and said, ‘You’ve got to sign this boy—he’ll be top class.’ They said no. We never made bids until after he started scoring for Salzburg. By then, every club was interested.”

Haaland’s Rise: From Molde to Global Superstar

The Norwegian striker has become one of the most prolific forwards in football. Haaland has already scored 30 goals this season across all competitions and has racked up 143 goals in 161 appearances for Manchester City. During his debut campaign at the Etihad, he was instrumental in securing a historic Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League treble.

Haaland has often credited Solskjaer with developing his heading ability, telling GQ Magazine, “I couldn’t hit the ball before. Now I’m scoring goals with my head—thanks to them.” This mentorship has helped Haaland evolve into a complete striker, feared by defenders across Europe.

The Future: Could Solskjaer and Haaland Reunite?

With Haaland set to lead Norway into their first World Cup in nearly three decades, the prospect of Solskjaer managing the national team has captured the imagination of fans. While Solskjaer is respectful of Solbakken’s current leadership, the idea of him guiding Haaland and Norway on football’s biggest stage is a tantalizing one.

The synergy between Solskjaer’s tactical insight and Haaland’s finishing prowess could elevate Norway’s ambitions, making them a potential dark horse in international tournaments. For more news and updates on football’s biggest stories, visit for more news.

Opinion: A Reunion Worth Pursuing

The possibility of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reuniting with Erling Haaland at the helm of Norway’s national team represents an exciting chapter for Norwegian football. Their established rapport and proven track record could inject fresh momentum as Norway targets a breakthrough on the world stage. If this partnership materializes, it could be the spark needed for Norway to make a lasting impact in upcoming international competitions.