Manchester United legend Gary Neville has delivered a pointed assessment of the club's current managerial search, suggesting the Red Devils are trapped in a damaging cycle reminiscent of their rivals Liverpool before Jurgen Klopp's transformative arrival.
Neville's Verdict on a Solskjaer Comeback
The comments come in the wake of Ruben Amorim's 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 considering its next move.
Neville confirmed that discussions are underway regarding a potential return for former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as well as former midfielder Michael Carrick. When asked if he would rule out Solskjaer taking the role permanently, Neville was clear.
"I wouldn't not," he stated during an interview with Sky Sports. "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."
The Damaging 'Groundhog Day' Cycle
The former United captain drew a compelling parallel, arguing that his old club is repeating the errors that kept Liverpool from the summit for decades. He described United's process over the last twelve years as a familiar and frustrating movie.
"They put Ryan [Giggs] in charge ten years ago, then Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] took charge and you go back to the old boys," Neville explained. "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."
Despite highlighting this pattern, Neville acknowledged the qualities of the club legends now linked with the job. He emphasised that Solskjaer, Carrick, and another former player Ruud van Nistelrooy "love the club intensely" and understand its unique demands.
Pressure and a Ready-Made Admission
Neville also issued a stark warning about the immense pressure awaiting any appointee, noting they will come under severe scrutiny if results do not improve in the next four to five months.
The speculation around Solskjaer is fuelled by the Norwegian's own recent comments. Prior to Amorim's appointment, during a Q&A at the Oslo Business Forum, Solskjaer was unequivocal about a potential return.
"If the family [United] asks, I would say yes every day of the week," he admitted. "It feels wrong to talk about jobs other people have, but I would say yes, of course."
With United reportedly contemplating a more experienced interim boss until the season's end, the coming days will reveal whether the club breaks its cyclical pattern or turns once more to a familiar face from its past.
