Manchester United have turned to familiar faces in their urgent search for a new manager, holding talks with former players Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick about an interim head coach role.
Amorim's Explosive Exit Triggers Urgent Search
The club's hunt for a temporary boss was sparked by the dramatic dismissal of Ruben Amorim on Monday, 5 January 2026. His departure came after a reportedly heated confrontation with sporting director Jason Wilcox the previous Friday. Amorim is said to have launched a furious rant against the United board in the meeting that ultimately sealed his fate.
With a Premier League fixture against Burnley looming, the club has moved swiftly. Darren Fletcher, another former Red Devils midfielder, will take charge of the team for that match, providing a short-term solution.
Informal Talks Held with Club Legends
On Tuesday, 6 January 2026, Wilcox initiated informal discussions with both Solskjaer and Carrick to gauge their interest in stepping into the breach. These preliminary conversations are expected to be followed by more formal talks as the club seeks stability.
Solskjaer, of course, has prior experience in the Old Trafford hotseat, having managed the club from 2018 to 2021. Carrick also had a brief stint as caretaker manager following Solskjaer's departure, winning two of his three games in charge before Ralf Rangnick's appointment.
Wider Candidate List as United Seek Improvement
The club's shortlist is not limited to these two icons. Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United striker who has managed PSV Eindhoven, is also under consideration. The overarching aim for the board is to appoint a figure who can immediately improve the team's fortunes and league position during a turbulent period.
This interim appointment is viewed as a critical stopgap while the club's hierarchy continues its long-term planning. The focus for Wilcox and the recruitment team is now on securing a respected figure who can command the dressing room and steady the ship for the remainder of the season.
