Ipswich is seeking a new head coach following the resignation of Kieran McKenna, who stepped down last week despite leading the “Tractor Boys” to a second-place finish in the Championship and promotion to the Premier League. Solskjaer is reportedly high on the club’s shortlist, with former United manager Michael Carrick also noted as having been considered for the Old Trafford role previously, though he was passed over for Carrick.
The 52-year-old Norwegian, who managed Manchester United from 2018 to 2021, has been without a club since being dismissed from Turkish giants Besiktas in summer 2025. In recent interviews, Solskjaer indicated a willingness to return to management in England, specifically expressing interest in the Championship, stating: “I’m looking and I’m open… I love living here [in England].”
Ipswich’s interest in Solskjaer is bolstered by his existing relationship with the club’s current leadership. McKenna and his assistant, Martyn Pert, both worked under Solskjaer at Manchester United during the 2020-21 season, when the team finished second in the Premier League. This connection may facilitate a smooth transition should the appointment proceed.
Another strong contender for the role is Gary O’Neil, the current manager of Strasbourg. BBC Sport reported earlier this month that Ipswich has shown interest in the former Wolves head coach. O’Neil is well-regarded by the club’s hierarchy, partly due to his time at Bristol City when current Ipswich chief executive Mark Ashton served as CEO. Although Strasbourg had expressed confidence in retaining O’Neil, who joined them in January 2026, he remains a viable option for the Tractor Boys.
Solskjaer’s suitability for the role has been a subject of debate among analysts, particularly regarding his time at Manchester United. While recent comparisons have drawn parallels between his initial interim period and that of current United manager Michael Carrick, Solskjaer’s tenure at United is often scrutinized for its ultimate outcome. However, his ability to guide Manchester United to a top-two finish in 2020-21 stands as a significant credential for a club seeking stability in the top flight.
Should Ipswich proceed with Solskjaer, it would mark his return to English management after a brief stint with Cardiff City in 2014-15 and his time at Molde. The club faces the immediate challenge of retaining its newly acquired Premier League status, a task for which Solskjaer’s experience in high-pressure environments could be decisive. No official announcement regarding the new manager has been made as of this report.
