5 Premier League legends who successfully transitioned into management

#3 Patrick Vieira

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira.

Patrick Vieira is synonymous with Arsenal's best moments in Premier League history. The Frenchman captained the Invincible Gunners side, leading them to 26 wins and 12 draws in the 2003-04 season in the English top-flight.

Vieira was known not only for his tremendous leadership, but also for his incredible quality on the ball. The defensive midfielder often protected the Gunners' defense but could also slalom forward, exchange one-touch passes and score the odd goal or two.

Vieira ended his Arsenal career with three Premier Leagues, four FA Cups and three Community Shields. He managed 396 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 32 goals and assisting a further 43. Vieira eventually wrapped up his playing career after spells with Juventus, Inter Milan and Manchester City.

The Frenchman's managerial journey began with the Cityzens as he took over the club's academy before managing their U19 and U21 squads. Vieira then took over the reins at MLS club New York City FC in January 2016. He managed the club until June 2018, winning 40 out of his 90 matches in charge.

Vieira subsequently moved to French club OGC Nice in 2018, but recorded a win percentage of less than 40% (35 wins in 89 matches). Nice eventually sacked him in 2020. Vieira is now in charge of Crystal Palace, who he recently led to a 3-0 victory over Arsenal's London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

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#2 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Manchester United legend and current manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains an enigma when it comes to management. Having held the reigns at Manchester United for almost three years, the Norwegian continues to baffle critics. There are times when Solskjaer's side are incredible to watch with their free-flowing attacking football and also ones where they struggle to break down opponents they should be beating with ease.

But as a player, Solskjaer held an incredible record. The forward was often used as an impact substitute by Sir Alex Ferguson and he justified that role more often than not. Solskjaer, who spent 11 years at Manchester United, ended his career with 126 goals and 50 assists.

He also won multiple trophies with the Red Devils. Solskjaer's playing career was adorned with six Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, a Champions League and an Intercontinental Cup.

The Norwegian retired in 2007 and went on to pursue management. Solksjaer won three domestic titles in Norway, but has struggled on English shores. He was relegated with Cardiff City before returning to the Premier League as Manchester United's caretaker manager in December 2018.

That role became permanent in March 2019 and United have looked good in patches under Solskjaer. Overall, the Red Devils have managed 88 victories in 156 matches under the Norwegian since his appointment as caretaker manager.

Solskjaer has, however, received plenty of criticism for his inability to bring a trophy to Old Trafford. That could change this year with United boasting an excellent squad and silverware-winning pedigree in their ranks.

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#1 Steven Gerrard

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.

Steven Gerrard may not be plying his trade in the Premier League, but he is undoubtedly one of the most promising managers going around. The Liverpool legend, who spent close to 20 years with the club and 17 with the first team, currently manages Scottish side Rangers.

Gerrard joined the Liverpool academy as a youngster. His talent quickly propelled him to the U18 side, from where he transitioned to the first team after just two years. After making his debut in 1998, Gerrard went on to play for the Reds until 2015.

In those years, the midfield maestro made 710 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 186 goals and registering 150 assists. Although a Premier League medal evaded his grasp, Gerrard still managed to fill his cabinet with plenty of silverware. The Englishman won two FA Cups, three League Cups, a Champions League, a UEFA Cup (now the UEFA Europa League) and two UEFA Super Cups.

Post his exit from Liverpool, Gerrard joined MLS side LA Galaxy in 2015. He made 39 appearances for the side, registering five goals and 15 assists, before concluding his playing career.

Following his spell in the USA, Gerrard rejoined Liverpool as a youth team coach. He also managed the Reds' U18 and U19 sides before leaving the club once again in 2018. Gerrard then joined Rangers in June 2018 and has remained at the club since. The Englishman's record at the Scottish club is excellent as he has guided them to 117 wins in 180 matches.

Under Gerrard, Rangers also went unbeaten in the league for the entirety of the 2020-21 season. They recorded 32 wins and six draws to finish as champions with 102 points, 25 clear of arch-rivals Celtic.