Ole Gunnar Solskjær remains the slight favourite to become Manchester United’s interim manager, though Michael Carrick has edged closer in the contest, the Guardian understands. The decision will be made by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox after face-to-face interviews with both candidates.
The interviews are expected to take place on Thursday and possibly Friday. Current interim Darren Fletcher, who led United to a 2-2 draw at Burnley on Wednesday, has been informed he will remain in charge for Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Brighton at Old Trafford. Fletcher said: 'They’ve informed me they’d like me to take the team for Sunday. There was a feeling that might have been the case from Monday, but we wanted to focus on Burnley.'
If Berrada and Wilcox decide to appoint Solskjær for a second caretaker spell, it is thought Carrick would consider being his assistant. Carrick previously served as Solskjær’s assistant from March 2019 until Solskjær’s sacking in November 2021, and later led the team for three matches, winning two and drawing one.
Reflecting on the Burnley draw, Fletcher said: 'They put in a performance that should win the match. We created a lot of chances, 30 shots, goalline clearance, a disallowed goal of which I am not sure why. It wasn’t perfect, we started slow. We scored two fantastic goals. Still lots to work on but I was really pleased with their efforts.'
