Manchester United legend Gary Neville has delivered a stark warning to his former club, suggesting they are trapped in a damaging cycle of hiring and firing managers, a pattern he likens to the struggles of rivals Liverpool before Jürgen Klopp's transformative arrival.
Neville's Verdict on a Solskjaer Comeback
The comments come in the wake of Ruben Amorim's abrupt departure from Old Trafford earlier this week, following a disappointing draw with Leeds United. With Darren Fletcher taking temporary charge for the match against Burnley, the club is now actively searching for a new head coach.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are both reportedly in discussions about a potential return to the managerial hot-seat. Neville, who was referenced in Amorim's parting criticism, did not rule out a permanent return for Solskjaer if he can improve results, but he drew a compelling historical parallel.
The Liverpool Comparison and United's 'Groundhog Day'
Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville outlined his concerns. "I wouldn't not [consider Solskjaer]," he began. "I think there's an element, we saw this at Liverpool didn't we, for like 25 or 30 years, when they were going through that period where they weren't winning."
He described United's own 12-year pattern since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement as a familiar movie. "They put Ryan [Giggs] in charge ten years ago, then Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] took charge and you go back to the old boys. Then you go for a new one, then you go for one more - it's almost like a cycle and a movie that we've all seen before and Groundhog Day."
The Challenge for Any New Appointment
While praising the credentials and love for the club held by Solskjaer, Carrick, and another former player Ruud van Nistelrooy, Neville was realistic about the immense pressure any appointee would face. "They get the club. But still they're going to come under a lot of pressure in the next four or five months if results don't go their way," he cautioned.
He concluded by wishing any of the three well, acknowledging the difficulty of the role at the present time. This situation has prompted United's hierarchy to consider bringing in a more experienced interim boss until season's end, with Solskjaer and Carrick the leading candidates.
Solskjaer himself had previously signalled his openness to a return. During a Q&A at the Oslo Business Forum before Amorim's appointment, he stated: "If the family [United] asks, I would say yes every day of the week."
