Solskjaer set for TRIPLE Man Utd pay with Champions League bonus

Robin Bairner

8 Jan 2026 12:03 GMT
4 min read

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Man Utd, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is poised to return to Manchester United in the form of interim manager following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.

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Having already spent time in the Old Trafford dugout in the past, the 52-year-old former Norway international striker is a hot favourite to take the reins of the team until the end of the season.

It has now been revealed how much Solskjaer, who was sacked by Besiktas in August after missing out on the Champions League, stands to earn from his latest stint at the Old Trafford outfit – with the boss in line for a hefty bonus should one particular target be reached.

How much does Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earn at Man Utd?

Solskjaer will earn a basic wage of £50,000-60,000 per week, which over the course of six months would equate to a maximum of £1.56 million, according to Norwegian source Nettavisen.

The big bucks for Solskjaer are really set to be opened up if Man Utd qualify for the Champions League. The Norwegian will be able to more than triple his money should the Red Devils reach the competition next season.

The report states that he is in line for a “significant bonus” if that target is reached. This is quoted as being in the region of £3-4m.

Of course, reaching the Champions League is worth many more times that to Man Utd. The minimum any qualifying team will earn in the 2025/26 season will be around £16.4m – and that’s before any prize money for winning games is taken into account.

Ole Gunner Solskjaer: At Man Utd for the long haul

Solskjaer is only likely to be a short-term appointment for United, but he will hope that there is the potential for a longer stint at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have only started exploring their options for the summer, when they expect to have more options to pick from.

Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett explained: “You've mentioned Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola. There's Marco Silva who I know they like who will be out of contract. Kieran McKenna at Ipswich. Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille. You've got three big name managers at the World Cup.

“You don't expect Mauricio Pochettino to turn his back on the United States at their own World Cup. After that tournament he might. Thomas Tuchel is contract expires with England. Julian Nagelsmann, his contract expires with Germany after the World Cup.

"I'm not saying all those names are on United's shortlist. I don't think they know themselves yet. They're still looking at all their options. What they do know is they will have many more options at much better financial rates, if they wait until the summer.”

All this opens the possibility of Solskjaer earning a long-term deal if this dress rehearsal goes to plan.

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