Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suffered a rare setback as Manchester United caretaker manager – as he is unable to return to his Cheshire mansion due to Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk living there.
The former striker lived in the £4million, five-bedroom property while a Manchester United player, and put it on the market after he returned to Norway to manage Molde.
Yet, having unexpectedly rejoined the club as boss in December, Solskjaer has been forced to look elsewhere for a property as his own is not currently available.
The Norwegian spent nine weeks living at the Lowry Hotel after being named interim Manchester United boss on December 19, but is after a more permanent arrangement.
Having won 13 of his 16 games in charge of the Old Trafford side, it is likely his return to the North West may be extended.
However, with van Dijk a firm favourite at Anfield as Liverpool chase a first Premier League title, the Dutchman will also be remaining firmly where he is.
The house is described as ‘an impressive and substantial contemporary style detached family house’ on its listing.
Among the features of the 3.4-acre house are a media room, utility room, store room/AV room, first floor study area, master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite bathroom, four further bedrooms, garage, brick outbuilding with pool room, dark room and gym.
There is also an extensive rear garden and a front paddock with stables.
A source told The Sun: ‘The property is the one Ole and his family lived in since his time at United and when he moved away it was eventually put up for sale.
‘But when no takers came it was offered for rent – and when Van Dijk signed for Liverpool he came to see it and loved it.
‘Ole probably never thought he would be coming back to Manchester but now he is it really is ironic he can’t move back into his old place which he still owns.
‘There are a few grins from people who know that Van Dijk is the tenant – a player for one of United’s fiercest rivals!’
Solskjaer’s predecessor Jose Mourinho famously spent his entire tenure living in a room at The Lowry Hotel, racking up an £800,000 bill by the time he left in December