Manchester United are poised for a crucial new round of discussions to finalise their interim manager, with the race narrowing between club legends Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Search for a Caretaker Boss
The Red Devils have decided to install a temporary leader for the rest of the season after sacking permanent manager Ruben Amorim on Monday, January 5th, 2026. Amorim's dismissal followed a poor run of just three victories in 11 matches, but a reported fallout with football director Jason Wilcox was a key factor.
Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher took temporary charge for Wednesday's 2-2 Premier League draw away at Burnley and will remain in the dugout for Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton at Old Trafford. However, a more permanent interim appointment is imminent.
Carrick Closes the Gap on Solskjaer
United CEO Omar Berrada and director Jason Wilcox are expected to conduct face-to-face interviews with both leading candidates imminently. While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains the slight favourite, sources indicate that Michael Carrick moved significantly closer to contention following developments on Wednesday.
Should the club opt for Solskjaer's return, it is understood that Carrick would be open to resuming his former role as the Norwegian's assistant. The pair have a long history, having been teammates at United in the 2006-07 season. Carrick was already on the first-team coaching staff when Solskjaer initially took over as caretaker manager in December 2018 following Jose Mourinho's exit, and he served as his assistant for the subsequent three years.
A Familiar Cycle for United
The potential appointment has sparked debate about the club's tendency to return to former players in times of crisis. Both names were warmly chanted by travelling supporters at Turf Moor, but the strategy has its critics.
Former United captain Gary Neville highlighted the pattern, telling Sky Sports: "You almost go through cycles... They put Ryan [Giggs] in charge ten years ago, then Ole took charge and you go back to the old boys. It's almost like a cycle and a movie that we've all seen before."
Neville added that while all the candidates "love the club intensely" and understand its culture, whoever takes the role must be prepared for intense pressure over the next four to five months if results do not improve quickly.
The club's hierarchy aims to have the interim manager in place swiftly, allowing them to focus on a thorough search for a permanent successor to Amorim later in the year.
