Ole Gunnar Solskjaer makes ex-Man Utd player he coached his priority Besiktas signing

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made a former Manchester United player a priority signing after taking the reins at Besiktas, reports claim.

The Norwegian spent three years out of management after being sacked by United following a dismal run of form which culminated with a heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of Watford.

Solskjaer, who spent time working as a technical observer for UEFA, was heavily linked with a number of jobs but has now finally returned to the dugout after signing a contract with Besiktas until the end of the 2025/2026 season - with the option of an additional year.

The club confirmed his appointment on Saturday morning, stating that Solskjaer will make "significant contributions to our club" after replacing Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Solskjaer could take charge of his first game against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League on Thursday and has expressed his excitement over his new gig.

“I am very happy to be here. It is great to have so many people here for this great club,” Solskjaer said at Ataturk airport.

“We have had our first meetings. I am looking forward to starting my job. It is great to be in this great city.”

And the 51-year-old already appears to have a key signing lined up. According to Fabrizio Romano, Besiktas are keen on Rangers forward Tom Lawrence, who Solskjaer worked with when he was reserve team manager of United.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been appointed Besiktas manager. Image: Getty

The Wales international, who played just once for United's first-team, spent five years with Derby County before moving up to Scotland and winning the Scottish League Cup last term.

He has played 55 times for the Glasgow giants, scoring 11 goals. But his contract has just six months remaining, meaning he is free to negotiate a summer departure with foreign clubs.

Lawrence is in line to face his former employers on Thursday when Rangers travel to Old Trafford to play United in the Europa League.

Besiktas' squad includes a slew of former Premier League players, including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Joao Mario, Gedson Fernandes, Gabriel Paulista and Arthur Masuaku.

Solskjaer could face United

Not only could Solskjaer come up against Jose Mourinho, now manager of Fenerbahce, in a tasty Istanbul derby, there is a possibility that he leads a Besiktas side against United.

The two teams could meet in the Europa League, though Besiktas have won just two out of six European games and are lurched in 28th place - with United occupying seventh and on course for automatic qualification to the next round.