Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to return to Molde once he finishes season with Manchester United as he is only on loan

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been named Manchester United manager until the end of the season, but Molde have confirmed that the Norwegian is only on loan to the Premier League club as he will return to his previous role in May.

The 45-year-old replaces Jose Mourinho in the Old Trafford hot seat after the Portuguese was sacked on Tuesday, with United sixth in the Premier League and 19 points behind leaders Liverpool, who beat them 3-1 last Sunday that proved to be the final nail in ‘The Special One’s coffin.

As part of United’s succession process, they have only named Solskjaer as caretaker boss until the end of the season, with the club keen on appointing a technical director who will be responsible for identifying the long-term manager.

With Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino and former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane in the mix, the likelihood is that it would take something special for Solskjaer to remain in the job beyond next summer, but Norwegian club Molde have revealed that under the terms struck between the two clubs Solskjaer will return once his duties at United are complete.

“Chief Executive Officer Oystein Neerland confirms that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will become temporary manager in Manchester United, until the end of the season in May 2019,” a Molde statement read.

“Ole Gunnar will take over with immediate effect and Erling Moe will be the main trainer for Molde FK during this period.”

Solskjaer departs Molde with their full blessing, but given that he signed a new contract earlier this year that has him tied down to the club until 2021, they fully expect him to return to them next year.

"That Manchester United ask Molde FK to lend the manager is by itself an event, and not least a statement of trust for both Ole Gunnar and Molde FK,” chief executive Neerland added. “We are happy to lend (United) Ole Gunnar, we wish both him and the club a success.

"This is a big opportunity for Molde FK, we think it will be developing and helping to put Molde FK further on the football card.”

Solskjaer also issued a statement to Molde fans to stress that his business is not finished with the club, and to thank the hierarchy for allowing him to move to the “world’s biggest club”.

"In football you never know what can happen,” Solskjaer said. “We get proof of that time after time.

“This is an opportunity I had to take. I am looking forward to leading Manchester United until the summer.

“At the same time, I will follow closely what is happening here at home. We have built stone for stone and the end of the season this year gives us hope for another good season. Erling, Trond and Per Magne will do a lot of work while I'm gone. At the same time, I would like to thank the club, and Kjell Inge and Bjørn Rune once again congratulate me on joining the world's biggest club.”

Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, added: "Ole is a club legend with huge experience, both on the pitch and in coaching roles. His history at Manchester United means he lives and breathes the culture of the club and everyone at the club is delighted to have him and Mike Phelan back. We are confident they will unite the players and the fans as we head into the second half of the season.”