Manchester United have begun their search for a new manager after parting ways with Ruben Amorim, with a clear short-term plan now in place at Old Trafford.
Amorim's Departure and Immediate Fallout
The club confirmed the departure of head coach Ruben Amorim on Monday, bringing an abrupt end to his 14-month tenure. His final match was Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw away at Leeds United.
The decision follows a reported breakdown in relations between Amorim and the United board, culminating in what has been described as an explosive rant from the 40-year-old Portuguese coach.
Fletcher's Temporary Reign and the Search for an Interim
United have turned to former midfielder and current Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher to take immediate charge. He will be assisted by the returning Jonny Evans. Fletcher's first test will be Wednesday's trip to face Burnley in the Premier League.
According to reports from The Athletic, the club plan to give Fletcher at least two matches in the dugout. This includes the Burnley fixture and Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Following this brief period, United intend to appoint a separate interim manager who will see out the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign. A permanent successor to Amorim is then expected to be named in the summer.
Solskjaer Emerges as Front-Runner for Caretaker Role
The leading candidate for that interim position is former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Manchester Evening News reports that the Norwegian has held discussions with the club about a potential return.
Solskjaer, 52, has been out of work since leaving Turkish side Besiktas in August 2025. He is reportedly willing to help his old club and has been seen near his home in Cheshire.
Solskjaer previously managed Manchester United for nearly three years, from December 2018 until his dismissal in November 2021. During his 168 games in charge, he secured 91 wins and guided the team to a second-place finish in the 2020/21 season.
Other contenders for the caretaker role are believed to include another former United striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Solskjaer has previously expressed his openness to a sensational return. Speaking at the Oslo Business Forum in September 2024, he stated: "If the family [United] asks, I would say yes every day of the week. It feels wrong to talk about jobs that other people have now, but I would say yes, of course."
The coming days are set to be crucial for Manchester United's direction this season, with the club seeking stability after another managerial change.
