Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first official game as Besiktas manager has got Man Utd fans talking

The opening goal of the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era is going viral after the former Manchester United manager marked his first game in charge of Besiktas with an emphatic 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Solskjaer made his much-anticipated return to management last week as he penned an 18-month deal with Super Lig side Besiktas.

Since being sacked by Manchester United in November 2021, the 51-year-old has turned down several job offers, including the opportunity to manage Denmark's national team.

He was also linked with Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC and newly-promoted Leicester City, who were keen on bringing him to the King Power ahead of their Premier League return.

But on Friday afternoon, Solskjaer was announced as the Besiktas boss – and he soon reiterated his desire to play attacking, direct football. "I never play slow football," the Norwegian said. "We want to play quick football."

That press conference promise was soon fulfilled, when Milot Rashica opened the scoring in their Europa League clash against Athletic Bilbao with a superb team goal.

Here's how fans on social media reacted to the below footage.

One said: "That flick, the fluidity and the tempo pretty much epitomizes the kind of football we played under him. Besiktas fans will love watching their team under him."

A second wrote: "I could tell it's Ole ball immediately. Besiktas will score a lot of goals under him, that is certain," and a third commented: "Give me this direct attacking football any day of the week over the boring nonsense we're trying to do under Amorim."

A fourth said: "Dominating possession as well, patient build up, but then a quick change of pace in the final attacking third. Yet no tactics and just counter attack apparently."

A fifth added: "Oh my god. No redundant possession, no sideways passing, no passing back to the keeper - just fast, fun attacking football. I miss Ole so much."

Besiktas' first goal under the Solskjaer era.

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— ☈ッ (@TheFergusonWay) January 22, 2025

Speaking ahead of the game, Solskjaer explained why the Besiktas job reminds him of his managerial stint at Old Trafford.

"This project seems a little bit like Manchester United to me. We were sixth, then we became third and then second. And this is step by step," he said. "And, of course, we're here to win, so hopefully we can make it faster. But we have to be realistic.

"And yes, I had many offers, but as I said before, it had to be the right offer worth me moving away from my perfect life."

Besiktas, who have lifted the Super Lig title on 16 occasions, currently sit sixth in the league.

Solskjaer added: "You need to feel that heartbeat racing again, because you ask 'do you have the energy?' and the project that the President and the board have been talking to me about it was the right thing I needed now," he added.

"I've been following United (since I left) and it's difficult when it goes down. You just need to turn the boat, and hopefully we can turn the boat quickly here."