Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly among the candidates to replace Kieran McKenna as Ipswich manager.
However, talkSPORT understands that Gary O’Neil remains the frontrunner for the vacant job at Portman Road.
McKenna departed the Tractor Boys last week, deciding to take a break from football after guiding them back to the Premier League.
He led the club from League One to the top-flight with three promotions in four successful seasons in charge, but has opted to step away from the game to spend more time with his family.
With the search underway for his successor, Ipswich could now turn to a former colleague of McKenna’s.
The BBC report that ex-Manchester United boss Solskjaer is in the running to take over. The Norwegian has been out of work since his sacking by Turkish club Besiktas last summer.
The 53-year-old had looked set for a return to Old Trafford in January, as interim boss, but was overlooked in favour of Michael Carrick.
McKenna was among Solskjaer‘s staff – as well as Carrick – at United during his tenure between 2018 and 2021.
Solskjaer took a break from management following his departure, but was keen for a quick return to football after his time at Besiktas was brought to an end in August 2025.
After almost a year out of work, the 53-year-old would likely be open to a return to the Premier League following a five-year absence.
Stiff competition
Solskjaer may have to fight off competition if he is to take over at Ipswich, as talkSPORT understands Strasbourg boss O’Neil remains the lead candidate for the vacancy.
O’Neil quickly emerged as the frontrunner for the job despite only replacing Liam Rosenior at the Ligue 1 club in January.
The 43-year-old has previously managed Bournemouth and Wolves in the Premier League, but is under contract in France for another three years.
Strasbourg went on to finish eighth in Ligue 1 under his watch – missing out on European qualification by a single point.
Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen has also emerged as a potential option for Ipswich with Knutsen masterminding the Norwegian club’s remarkable rise.
talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook said three days after McKenna’s exit: “Gary O’Neil was the early frontrunner – the former Wolves and Bournemouth boss – now in charge of Strasbourg.
“He got them to the semi-finals of the Conference League.
“There’s also been a lot of talk over the last 24 hours about Knutsen – the manager of Bodo/Glimt – the hipster’s choice, who caused a few waves in European competitions in the last couple of years.
“That could be one to keep an eye on as well.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s managerial career
Solskjaer began his managerial career in his native Norway, spending three years in charge of Molde between 2011 and 2014.
During this time, he guided the club to back-to-back league titles in 2011 and 2012, as well as Norwegian Football Cup glory in 2013.
In January 2014, Solskjaer was appointed Cardiff manager, but was unable to save them from Premier League relegation, and was sacked after a disappointing start to the season in the Championship.
A return to Molde followed, where he stayed until he was appointed Man United interim boss after Jose Mourinho‘s sacking in 2018.
The 1999 treble hero got the job permanently before the 2018/19 season ended and went on to guide United to a second place Premier League finish in the 2020/21 season.
But after a downturn in form, Solskjaer was relieved of his duties in November 2021, and gave a tearful exit interview as he departed.
A four-year break from football followed, before the ex-United striker was appointed as Besiktas manager in January 2025, however he was sacked the following August after failing to qualify for European football.