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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be on the verge of a sensational comeback to English football, with reports suggesting that Ipswich Town are considering him as their next manager following the unexpected exit of Kieran McKenna.

Solskjaer among favourites for Portman Road job

According to BBC reports, Ipswich Town are weighing up an ambitious move for Solskjaer as they prepare for their first season back in the Premier League. The Norwegian coach has been away from the limelight since leaving Besiktas last summer, but he is said to be keen on a new challenge in England. During his three-year spell at Manchester United, Solskjaer guided the club to a second-place finish in the 2020-21 Premier League season.

The connection between Solskjaer and the Suffolk club is particularly significant, as Kieran McKenna—who recently departed after leading Ipswich to back-to-back promotions—previously served as Solskjaer’s assistant at Old Trafford. This shared history has added an extra layer of intrigue to Ipswich’s search for a new leader.

Gary O’Neil also under consideration

While Solskjaer’s name naturally draws attention, he is not the only option being discussed by Ipswich’s board. Gary O’Neil, currently managing Strasbourg in France, is another strong contender. O’Neil’s managerial reputation has grown steadily following his successful tenures at Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers. He also shares a professional connection with Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton, having worked together previously at Bristol City.

Strasbourg are reportedly reluctant to let O’Neil leave after appointing him in January, but the opportunity to manage in the Premier League again may prove too tempting. The Ipswich hierarchy are eager to appoint a manager capable of sustaining the club’s recent momentum and consolidating their Premier League status.

McKenna’s departure leaves a void

The vacancy at Portman Road comes as a disappointment to Ipswich supporters, who had hoped McKenna would guide them through their return to top-flight football. Despite being linked with other roles, including at Fulham, McKenna insisted his decision to step down was driven by a need to take a break after an intense few years of success.

In his farewell statement, McKenna said: “I feel this is the right time for me to step aside. I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club.” His achievements include taking Ipswich from League One to the Premier League in just two seasons—a remarkable accomplishment that has set high expectations for his successor.

Solskjaer’s route back to elite management

For Solskjaer, the Ipswich opportunity could mark a crucial step in rebuilding his managerial career after his high-pressure stint at Manchester United. Following his departure from Old Trafford in 2021, he took time away from the game before a short spell in Turkey. Reports previously linked him with a potential return to Manchester United, but the club ultimately opted for Michael Carrick as they looked for a new direction.

Taking charge at Ipswich would present Solskjaer with a very different kind of challenge. Under McKenna, the Tractor Boys achieved consecutive promotions—a feat last accomplished by Southampton in 2012—and now face the task of competing against the Premier League’s elite. Whether it is Solskjaer or O’Neil who takes over, the incoming manager will inherit a confident squad that has already proven its ability to thrive under pressure.