Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær made a surprise visit to D.C. United’s training facility in Leesburg, Va. on Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the matter. Solskjær, who left his role as Manchester United manager in 2021 and has been without a club since, joined D.C. United manager Wayne Rooney and his team as they prepared for their upcoming match against Austin FC.
Rooney and Solskjær have a history together, having played alongside each other at Manchester United from 2004 to 2007. During their time together, they won the Premier League title in the 2006-2007 season. Their reunion at D.C. United’s training facility sparked speculation about Solskjær’s potential involvement with the club.
However, sources close to the club’s sporting operation have clarified that Solskjær is not being considered as a replacement for Rooney or for the club’s general manager vacancy. It seems that Solskjær’s visit was more of a friendly reunion and an opportunity to catch up with his former teammate.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Solskjær mentioned his plans to visit the east coast of the United States to see Rooney and David Beckham, as well as attend some games. His visit to D.C. United’s training facility aligns with his previous statements and suggests that he is taking the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and colleagues in the soccer world.
The D.C. United spokesperson declined to comment on Solskjær’s visit, leaving fans and pundits wondering about the purpose behind his appearance. It is unclear whether Solskjær’s visit will have any impact on Rooney’s future at the club, as the former Manchester United striker expressed his disappointment with the lack of communication regarding his contract extension.
Rooney’s current contract with D.C. United expires after this season, with a mutual option for 2024. The 36-year-old player-coach revealed his frustration with the club’s silence on his future plans, stating that he had hoped for a discussion about a new deal. The lack of communication has left Rooney uncertain about his future with the team.
Furthermore, D.C. United is currently without a general manager after parting ways with Lucy Rushton at the end of the 2022 season. The club reportedly reached out to Orlando City for permission to interview their technical director, Ricardo Moreira, but there have been no further updates on United’s search for a new GM. In the absence of a permanent hire, Rooney has been given more influence in the team’s roster decisions, while Dave Kasper, the club’s president of soccer operations and sporting director, has taken on the role of interim GM.
Sources within the club have suggested that any decision regarding Rooney’s future as head coach should involve input from the new GM, a decision that is expected to be made in the coming months. This indicates that D.C. United is taking a cautious approach to ensure that all key stakeholders are involved in shaping the team’s future.
Under Rooney’s leadership, D.C. United currently sits in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with two games remaining in the regular season. He took over as head coach during the 2022 season and has been working on rebuilding the team after a disappointing finish in the MLS.
As for Solskjær, his visit to D.C. United’s training facility remains a mystery. It could simply be a friendly visit to catch up with old friends or an opportunity to explore potential future opportunities in the United States. Whatever the reason may be, it has certainly generated excitement and speculation among fans and soccer enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s surprise visit to D.C. United’s training facility has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about his potential involvement with the club. However, sources have clarified that he is not being considered for any managerial or executive positions. The purpose behind Solskjær’s visit remains unknown, but it is clear that he is taking the opportunity to reconnect with former teammates and colleagues in the soccer world. As for Rooney, his future at D.C. United remains uncertain as the club has yet to discuss his contract extension. With the absence of a general manager, the decision regarding Rooney’s future is expected to involve input from the new GM, who will be appointed in the coming months.