Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to seal a Manchester United reunion at Besiktas after being named the club’s new manager in January, according to reports. The Norwegian coach will soon be working with a familiar face again in Istanbul as part of his efforts to transform Besiktas’ culture and restore success at the Tupras Stadyumu.
Solskjaer’s new job – his first since leaving Old Trafford over three years ago – is similar to the one he faced when he was appointed the Red Devils’ permanent manager in March 2019.
Since lifting a 16th Turkish title in 2021, Besiktas have slumped to sixth twice on either side of a third-place finish and are currently seventh, 25 points off the summit.
During his unveiling, Solskjaer laid down his determination to stop the rot at the Black Eagles and lay an improved foundation to return the glory days.
“We had great meetings with our president. We met heart to heart. The bonds we will establish in this team are very important,” Solskjaer said.
“We will create a new foundation here. This was something I wanted very much. Our president touched my heart and the hearts of the technical staff.”
And the former United boss has made a start to doing exactly that by securing a reunion with a staff member he worked alongside in Manchester.
According to Turkish reporter Sercan Dikme, match analyst Tom Green is leaving United to join forces with Solskjaer at Besiktas.
It’s claimed that Green flew to Istanbul on Tuesday to complete his switch after spending eight years at Old Trafford.
The analyst joined under Jose Mourinho’s regime and worked closely with the Portuguese tactician before Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag.
Green – whose previous experience came with Stoke City, Derby County and Burton Albion – looks set to become one of the latest staff departures since Ruben Amorim took charge in November.
Solskjaer recently also confirmed that he was working to restructure Besiktas’ scouting network after finding it in an inadequate state.
Many United supporters hoped the club icon would target some of Amorim’s deadwood in the January transfer window to boost finances.
Casemiro and Marcus Rashford were among the high-earning fringe players whose exits could have facilitated much-needed winter reinforcements.
But Solskjaer played down speculation, stating: “I’ve come from Manchester United, so there will be transfer news like this.
“Casemiro and Rashford are very good players, but I haven’t had any contact with them.
“I enjoyed my time at Manchester United. That chapter is closed. I’m looking forward to working at Besiktas now. The Bilbao game will be tough, but we are ready.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk