Manchester United's search for a temporary manager has taken a nostalgic turn, with former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emerging as a leading candidate. The Norwegian, who was sacked by the club in 2021, is reportedly in a two-way battle with another club legend, Michael Carrick, to take the reins until the season's end following Ruben Amorim's dismissal this week.
Neville's 'Groundhog Day' Warning for United
Sky Sports pundit and ex-United defender Gary Neville gave a mixed reaction to the potential return of his former teammate. Speaking ahead of United's clash with Burnley, Neville admitted he would not actively oppose the move but framed it as part of a worrying pattern at Old Trafford.
"I wouldn't. I think there's an element of... we saw it at Liverpool for 25-30 years when they were going through that period where they weren't winning, and you go through cycles... and United have been doing this for 12 years," Neville stated. He described the process of reappointing former players like Ryan Giggs and Solskjaer as a repetitive cycle, likening it to the film Groundhog Day.
Despite his reservations, Neville acknowledged Solskjaer's deep connection to the club, a sentiment he also extended to other linked candidates Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy. "What I do think is that Ole is someone who absolutely loves the club, knows the job, has been in the post," he said, while warning that any interim appointee will face intense pressure over the final four or five months of the season.
Redknapp's Alternative: Andoni Iraola
Fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp offered a starkly different perspective, vehemently arguing against Solskjaer's return and pushing for United to target Bournemouth's highly-rated manager, Andoni Iraola.
"Andoni Iraola, I'm a huge admirer of his. I have no doubt he is one of the elite coaches in world football," Redknapp asserted. He expressed bewilderment that United would consider reappointing Solskjaer instead of pursuing the Spanish coach, citing Bournemouth's strong performances this season despite significant injury problems.
When co-commentator Tim Sherwood questioned if any other Premier League club would hire Solskjaer, Redknapp was blunt: "No chance. Nobody else in the Premier League would. Why hasn't he come back to the Premier League since he left Besiktas?"
The Crucial Long-Term Decision
For Neville, the immediate interim appointment is secondary to the monumental decision required this summer. He stressed that United must learn from their difficult experience with Ralf Rangnick and ultimately appoint a proven, world-class manager.
"They have to bring in someone who has done it before, what they can't do is imagine this will go well," Neville cautioned. He emphasised that even if the interim boss has a brilliant four-month spell, the club must still make a definitive change. "Manchester United still have to make that decision at the end of the season to appoint an experienced manager who is world class."
With Darren Fletcher taking initial temporary charge, the spotlight remains firmly on the United hierarchy. The club still has Champions League qualification to fight for this season, making the coming months critical, but all eyes are on the permanent appointment that will define their future.
