Manchester United are poised to turn to a familiar face to steady the ship following the dismissal of manager Ruben Amorim, with a host of former club stars in contention for an interim role at Old Trafford.
Familiar Faces in the Frame for Old Trafford Return
The Portuguese coach, Ruben Amorim, was sacked earlier this week after a disappointing 14-month tenure. While the club's hierarchy searches for a permanent successor, an interim appointment is now the expected short-term solution. According to widespread reports, former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a leading candidate and has been seen in Cheshire following preliminary discussions.
Other ex-United players under consideration include current caretaker Darren Fletcher, former midfielder Michael Carrick, and Dutch striking legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, who successfully filled the role temporarily last season. This strategy of appointing club icons as stop-gap managers is not new for United, with mixed results over the past decade.
A Look Back at United's Recent Interim Appointments
The club has a notable history of calling upon its former players during times of crisis. The trend began in earnest after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ryan Giggs (April - May 2014)
Following the dismissal of David Moyes, legendary winger Ryan Giggs took charge for the final four games of the 2013/14 season. His brief spell yielded two wins, one draw, and one loss, including a 4-0 victory over Norwich. He later served as assistant manager to Louis van Gaal before leaving when Jose Mourinho arrived.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (December 2018 - November 2021)
Solskjaer's initial appointment as caretaker in December 2018 proved inspired. He won 14 of his first 19 matches, a run that included a famous Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain. This form earned him the job permanently. He later guided United to the 2021 Europa League final before being sacked in November 2021.
Michael Carrick (November - December 2021)
In the immediate aftermath of Solskjaer's departure, Michael Carrick stepped in for three games. He remained unbeaten, securing wins against Villarreal and Arsenal, along with a draw against Chelsea, before Ralf Rangnick's appointment.
Ruud van Nistelrooy (October - November 2024)
The most recent example came last season after Erik ten Hag's exit. Van Nistelrooy oversaw a four-match unbeaten run, winning three and drawing one. Despite this positive spell, he was not retained after Amorim's arrival and subsequently endured a difficult period as Leicester City manager.
What This History Means for United's Next Move
The record shows that appointing a former star as an interim manager has often provided an immediate uplift for Manchester United. Figures like Solskjaer and Van Nistelrooy, in particular, began their tenures with strong results, benefiting from their inherent connection with the club and its supporters.
However, the long-term success of such appointments has been varied. While Solskjaer's initial caretaker period was spectacular, his permanent tenure ultimately ended in dismissal. The club's decision-makers will now weigh whether a short-term emotional boost from a returning hero is the right path, or if a more considered, external appointment is needed to build a sustainable future. The coming days will reveal if history is set to repeat itself at Old Trafford.
