Solskjaer, currently out of work, spoke to Norwegian broadcaster TV2 about his contact with Man United earlier this year and other topics.
On life in his hometown of Kristiansund
Solskjaer: "I live here, and I will continue to live here."
Do you miss managing Man United?
Solskjaer: "Yes, sitting here and talking about it like this... It was a good time, but everything has its time. I do miss it. I had hoped to stay there forever, but life goes on."
On contact with Man United in January this year
On January 5, 2026, Man United sacked Amorim and then contacted Solskjaer. His rival for the job was his former teammate Carrick, who had served as his assistant.
Solskjaer: "That was a very special period, of course. Special in many ways.
"When I spoke to Man United, I also praised Carrick. I told them: 'If you choose him, you will get an excellent person.' I think he would say the same about me.
"Neither of us felt we had to get the job. If the club asked, we would probably both be willing to help. At the time, the discussion was about serving as interim manager until the end of the season."
On not returning to Man United, and whether he has unfinished business
In the end, Man United chose Carrick. Solskjaer admitted that he also had reservations about returning to Old Trafford.
Solskjaer: "Going back to the past is not always a good thing. Yes, I was willing to help, but I never thought I would stay on beyond the summer. Perhaps it was time for someone else to try.
"I also feel I have unfinished business. Of course, if I got another chance, that would be great."
On rumors that he demanded a longer contract than Carrick
Solskjaer: "No, that's complete nonsense! I had a good conversation with Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada. We didn't discuss contract terms or anything like that. If needed, I was willing to help without making any demands.
"I gave my opinion on what the club needed to do to move forward. It was just a brief chat. There were no negotiations."
On whether Carrick is the right man to keep managing Man United
Man United have reportedly gone eight consecutive matches without a win, and Carrick is facing calls to be sacked, but the club's management has decided to keep him for now. Solskjaer backed that decision and said the two remain in regular contact.
Solskjaer: "Carrick has the ability to lead this club forward. I think he is the right person. He understands the club, he understands the fans, and he knows what needs to be done."
On the challenges Man United still face
In the autumn of 2021, Solskjaer and Carrick also went through a difficult period together. After Solskjaer was sacked, Carrick took over temporarily.
Solskjaer: "Some of the problems from back then still exist now. They should be called challenges, not problems. There is nothing that cannot be solved."
What exactly are these challenges?
Solskjaer: "Well, you can see... everyone who watches this team can see. Those who work behind the scenes also know what the challenges are."
On Carrick's personality and their similarities
Solskjaer: "You don't see that toughness in him, but he has it! I have it too! We are really very similar.
"Perhaps not many people thought I would become a football manager, let alone Man United manager. Many people probably think the same about Carrick."
On his coaching future
Solskjaer currently devotes some of his time to the youth team of local club FCK and to its first team, who play in the Norwegian fourth tier. He enjoys life in Kristiansund and is willing to coach again when the right opportunity arises.
Solskjaer: "Yes, I think I will take another job."
What if Man United came calling again?
Solskjaer stressed that he did not want his answer to be reported as though he currently wanted the Man United job, so he offered a hypothetical scenario.
Solskjaer: "If Carrick does a good job, and after ten years he decides to leave, and then they ask me whether I can take charge for two months, of course I wouldn't refuse. I was at that club for eighteen or nineteen years. It's like family. But that's not something I'm thinking about right now."