Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that during private talks with Manchester United's Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox about the manager's job, he recommended his former assistant Michael Carrick for the role, even though he was himself under consideration.
The former United boss, who managed the club for three years between 2018 and 2021, was one of the candidates to take over from Ruben Amorim in January. Both Solskjaer and Carrick were frontrunners, with Solskjaer emerging as the leading contender and being spotted in Cheshire during the speculation.
Solskjaer's Praise for Carrick
Speaking to TV2, Solskjaer said: "When I spoke to United, I also boasted about Michael - 'If you choose him, you will get a good man,' I said. I think he did the same to me. Michael has what it takes to take that club forward. I think he's the right man. He understands the club, understands the fans and knows what's needed."
The 53-year-old, who insisted he made no demands about wages or length of contract, added: "None of us were desperate to get the job. We'd probably be up for the job if they asked. At the time, there was talk of being an interim coach for the rest of the season."
Unfinished Business at Old Trafford
Solskjaer, who took charge on an interim basis in December 2018 after United sacked Jose Mourinho and won his first eight matches across all competitions, signed a three-year contract three months into his return. His tenure ended in November 2021, and his sacking led Carrick to take charge of three matches.
United then appointed Ralf Rangnick for the remainder of the season, and Carrick soon left his role under the German coach. His managerial career continued the following year after being appointed by Middlesbrough.
Solskjaer said of his talks with United: "I gave my input on what is needed for the club to move forward. It was one small chat we had. There were no negotiations. Going back to what has been is not always as good. Yes, I had lined up, but I didn't think it would last longer than the summer. It was probably time for someone else to try."
He added: "I also feel like I have something unresolved. Of course it would have been nice to have the opportunity again."
Carrick Under Pressure
Despite Carrick's difficult start to the season, Solskjaer insisted he remains the right man for the job, saying: "Some of the same problems are still there. They're called challenges, not problems. Nothing is a problem. Those who watch the team see it. Those who work behind the scenes know what the challenges are there."
Carrick is currently on the brink of losing his job following a disappointing run of results, with the club set to give him until the November international break to turn things around. United are without a win in their last nine matches across all competitions and are being heavily linked with Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann.
