Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals the bizarre reason that played a role in him accepting Besiktas job – and opens up on Man United transfer links

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed how his daughter played a role in his return to management with Besiktas.

The 51-year-old was named Besiktas boss last Friday, just over three years on from his brutal sacking at Old Trafford, and got off to the perfect start with a win on debut.

Solskjaer, 51, has joined the Turkish outfit on a one-and-a-half-year deal until summer 2026, and will earn €3.6million (£3m) during his tenure, according to club president Serdal Adali. 

Though the Norwegian will receive a hefty wage during his time at the club, that was not the main incentive over his move to Turkey – which he revealed in an interview.

Speaking to Turkish media, he said: ‘This project seems a little bit like Man United for me. We were sixth, then third and second. Step by step. I’ve been following United and it’s difficult when it goes down.

‘I had many offers but it had to be the right offer worth me moving away from my perfect life. 

The Norwegian has joined Besiktas on a one-and-a-half-year deal until summer 2026

‘You need to feel the heartbeat racing again. Do you have the energy? The project feels so right for me. Besiktas is not just a football club, it’s a sports club.

‘One thing: my daughter was born on March 3, 2003. If we go back in history, March 3, 1903 was the foundation of Besiktas, so I think this is a sign as well.

‘She sent me a message and this is the right one.’

With Solskjaer making the move to Besiktas, a number of reports have recently suggested he could be re-united with some of his former players – such as Marcus Rashford and Casemiro.

However, the Norwegian dismissed those claims, as he said: ‘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.’

In a signing ceremony, the Norwegian issued a passionate statement ahead of working with Besiktas, stating that he will not regret the decision to join them before the day he dies. 

‘We had great meetings with our president. We met heart to heart. The bonds we will establish in this team are very important,’ he said. 

Solskjaer said his daughter Karna – who used to play for Man United – urged him to move

Solskjaer, 51, had been out of work since being sacked at Old Trafford in November 2021

Marcus Rashford has been linked with a potential move to Turkey and reunion with Solskjaer

‘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. I followed the matches and Beşiktaş while working at UEFA. I am proud to be in such a club.

‘I know what the fans want. We will work for this every day. I am only here to win. We have players who have a habit of winning. Beşiktaş is a team that deserves victories. I have always aimed for this in my playing and coaching career and that is why I came here.’

‘I would regret not accepting this before I die. What I said shouldn’t remain just words, I want to start as soon as possible.’