Michael Carrick has emerged as the favourite to be appointed Manchester United’s interim manager, overtaking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a late twist. The former United midfielder held face-to-face talks with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox at the club’s Carrington training ground on Thursday, before Solskjaer met the pair on Saturday.
According to reports, no formal offer has been made to either candidate, but Carrick is now expected to take over on a deal until the end of the season. Darren Fletcher has overseen the team for the last two matches, a 2-2 Premier League draw with Burnley and a 2-1 FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United were booed off the pitch after the Brighton loss, which saw them exit both domestic cup competitions at the first hurdle for the first time since 1981-82. With no European football this campaign, the club will play only 40 games this season, the fewest since 1914-15.
After the match, Fletcher indicated he expected to be stood down on Monday. “I’ve had no discussions. I have to report tomorrow morning to Carrington, that is all I know. I will find out tomorrow morning. I have had zero indications,” he told reporters. “All my focus has been on this. It is a massive responsibility to lead this club and I have given it my best and I am disappointed not to win a game. I am more disappointed than anyone.”
United’s next fixtures include a derby against Manchester City followed by a trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
