Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Turns Down Opportunity to Manage at Qatar World Cup

• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was considered a short-term solution for the vacant Iran national team job
• The Norwegian has not been in management since he was sacked by Manchester United in November
• Iran has a number of top names in their shortlist after parting ways with Croat Dragan Skocic

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly turned down the chance to manage at the World Cup in Qatar.

The Norwegian has been out of work since he was sacked by Manchester United in November 2021, following a string of poor results that were summed up by a 4-1 defeat to Watford.

Upon his exit, Solskjaer negotiated a £7.5 million payout, having just penned a new deal weeks earlier.

Months on, and Foot Mercato, reports that there is a team interested in Solskjaer’s services.

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According to the outlet, the Iran national team wants to offer Solskjaer a managerial lifeline as the country’s FA is impressed by the ex-Man United boss’ profile.

This is the third World Cup in a row for Iran, who have been placed in an extremely tough Group B in the tournament.

The group comprises giants England, Wales and the unpredictable United States.

It came as a surprise to many when Iran decided to sack Dragan Skocic despite the fact that the Croatian won 15 out of his 18 games in charge of the Western Asia country.

As per the latest FIFA rankings, Iran is currently the highest-ranked Asian country at number 23.

Other names on the shortlist for the Iran job include ex-Bayern Munich striker Ali Daei, former Osasuna midfielder Javad Nekounam and Branko Ivankovic, the current boss of Oman.

Wayne Rooney lands DC United job

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported of Wayne Rooney’s return to management as the former Man United striker was appointed head coach of DC United in the MLS.

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The new appointment came barely weeks after Rooney parted ways with relegated Derby County after a turbulent 17-month spell that saw the club go into administration.

Rooney replaces interim coach Chad Ashton and is confident he can guide the club back on track.

The United legend also refutes claims that his move to the MLS was a downgrade in his managerial career, as suggested by sections of media.