Manchester United are poised to turn to a familiar face in a bid to salvage their faltering season, with former midfielder Michael Carrick now the leading candidate to take over as interim manager until the summer.
From Player to Potential Boss
Following the dismissal of Rubén Amorim last week, the search for a short-term successor narrowed to two ex-United players: Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. According to press sources, the 44-year-old Carrick has now moved ahead as the favourite for the role. While no final decision has been made, club officials hope to make an announcement on Monday.
Both candidates held meetings with Chief Executive Omar Berrada and Football Director Jason Wilcox. It is believed that Carrick delivered a strong and impressive interview, swaying the key decision-makers. Solskjaer, who managed the club from 2018 to 2021, was initially seen as the prime contender, but the momentum has shifted towards Carrick.
A Brief but Eventful Coaching History
Carrick, who won five Premier League titles during his playing career at Old Trafford before retiring in 2018, is no stranger to the United hot seat. He had a brief stint as caretaker manager following Solskjaer's departure and before Ralf Rangnick's arrival.
In 2022, he took his first permanent managerial role at Middlesbrough, who were in the Championship relegation zone at the time. The former West Ham and Tottenham player guided Boro to the play-offs in his first full season and to the Carabao Cup semi-finals the following year. He was dismissed last summer after a 10th-place finish.
A Season of Disappointment and Low Numbers
The urgency for a new appointment comes after a dismal weekend for the club. Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final defeat at home to Brighton means the Premier League is now the only competition United will contest for the remainder of the campaign. Qualification for European football is now considered essential.
Darren Fletcher, who took temporary charge after Amorim's sacking, stated he had no knowledge of his own future following the Brighton loss. "I've had no conversations. I have to report to Carrington tomorrow morning, that's all I know," Fletcher said. "It's a huge responsibility to lead this club, I've given my best and I'm disappointed not to win a game."
The defeat to the Seagulls also means United will play only 40 matches this season, their lowest tally in 111 years, underscoring a campaign of early exits and underperformance.
