Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed Michael Carrick to turn Manchester United around, insisting his former teammate is the right man to take the club forward despite growing pressure. United's poor run continued with a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea, leaving them without a win in nine games and 17th in the Premier League.
Carrick under pressure after Chelsea defeat
Manchester United were marginally on top in the first half but fell behind shortly after half-time when Chelsea summer signing Morgan Rogers dinked over Senne Lammens. A comeback became unrealistic when Lisandro Martinez was sent off for two reckless fouls, the second resulting in a penalty converted by Cole Palmer.
The defeat extends United's winless streak to nine games, their longest such run since 1988. There have been fresh calls for the club to sack Carrick, but the ex-England midfielder is expected to take charge of Tuesday's Champions League clash against Roma. Reports suggest he will also be in the dugout for next weekend's Premier League game against Aston Villa before the United hierarchy take stock during the international break.
Solskjaer's backing and United's contingency plans
While United are sticking with Carrick for now, they have already made tentative approaches to three potential replacements: Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann. Solskjaer, who supported Carrick's appointment in January, still believes his ex-teammate can succeed.
'Michael has what it takes to take that club forward,' he told Norwegian outlet TV2. 'I think he's the right man. He understands the club, understands the fans, and knows what's required. You don't see that "devil" in him. But it's there, and I have it too. We are so incredibly alike.'
Solskjaer also revealed he offered to return to Manchester United following Ruben Amorim's sacking at the start of the year. He spoke to United chiefs Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, saying: 'I had a good chat with Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada. We didn't discuss contract length or anything of the sort. I offered to step in if needed, and I made no demands. I shared my thoughts on what is required for the club to move forward. We had one brief conversation. There were no negotiations.'
Solskjaer reflects on his United tenure
Reflecting on his three-year spell in charge, which ended in 2021, Solskjaer said: 'There were some fantastic moments, but everything has its time. I do miss it, yes. I could have imagined staying there forever, but life goes on. It was a very special period. Of course it was.'
'It was special in many ways. Going back to the past isn't always a good idea. Yes, I would have stepped in [in January], but I didn't intend for it to last beyond the summer. It was probably time for someone else to have a go. I also feel like I have some unfinished business. Naturally, it would have been fun to have the opportunity again.'
Manchester United host Roma sitting 20th in the Champions League, while the Italians are 15th with one win, one draw and one defeat from their opening three games.
