Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s bid for Ipswich Town job dealt crushing blow | OneFootball

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suffered a damaging setback in his bid to land the Ipswich Town job.

Leading candidate

Earlier this week, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Solskjaer was a leading candidate to replace Kieran McKenna in the Ipswich Town dugout.

McKenna, who worked as a member of Solskjaer’s backroom staff at United, announced that he would be stepping down as Ipswich boss just weeks after leading them back to the Premier League.

McKenna was strongly linked with the Fulham position but opted against making the switch to Craven Cottage, nor any other team, as he wants to spend more time with his family.

He was under contract with the Tractor Boys until 2028, having put pen to paper on a new deal in the summer of 2024.

In a statement, McKenna insisted that it was the right time for him to part ways with Ipswich after securing a third promotion in the last four years with the side.

Alongside Solskjaer, Gary O’Neill was named as the other leading candidate to take over at Portman Road. Now, David Ornstein of The Athletic has confirmed that Ipswich have picked O’Neill ahead of Solskjaer.

Solskjaer blow

Ornstein reveals that Ipswich are working to finalise the appointment of O’Neill, who is set to join them from Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg.

“A deal to bring in O’Neil, 43, as Kieran McKenna’s replacement is in the final stages and, if all goes to plan, the aim is to announce the Englishman next week.”

“Ipswich’s talks with BlueCo, which owns Strasbourg and fellow Premier League side Chelsea, have been positive. It is likely O’Neil will be bringing close associates Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley with him from the French side.”

“O’Neil has developed a strong reputation within the industry for his work at Bournemouth, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Strasbourg.”

Ornstein has confirmed Solskjaer was genuinely considered, but it looks like he’ll have to wait even longer for his return to management.

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