Manchester United are poised for a pivotal weekend as the club holds further discussions with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer regarding the vacant caretaker manager position. The former United striker and manager is a leading candidate to take the reins until the end of the season following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.
Face-to-Face Talks for Solskjaer
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are scheduled for face-to-face talks with Solskjaer on Saturday, January 10. The club hierarchy views an interim appointment as a way to secure more time to identify and appoint the right permanent manager in the summer.
Solskjaer, 52, is not the only candidate under consideration. Michael Carrick, who served as his assistant during Solskjaer's previous stint at Old Trafford, is also in the frame for the temporary role. Whoever is selected will face an immediate baptism of fire, with a crucial Manchester derby looming.
Mbeumo's Timely Return from AFCON
In a significant boost for the incoming interim boss, forward Bryan Mbeumo is set to return to club duty imminently. The £71 million summer signing from Brentford was representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, but his nation's quarter-final exit to hosts Morocco means he is now free to travel back to Manchester.
Mbeumo, who has impressed in his first half-season at United, could be available for selection for the Premier League clash against Manchester City on Saturday, January 17. That match could potentially be the first in charge for the new caretaker manager, should an appointment be finalised in time.
International Absences and FA Cup Focus
While Mbeumo's return is confirmed, the availability of other key players remains uncertain. Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui will continue at AFCON, casting doubt on his participation in the derby. Ivorian winger Amad is also still involved in the tournament, with his nation facing Egypt in the quarter-finals on Saturday night.
All three stars will definitely miss United's FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton this weekend. Interim coach Darren Fletcher will take charge for a second match, having overseen a 2-2 draw with Burnley in midweek.
"It's an important competition and Manchester United are about winning trophies," Fletcher stated in his pre-match press conference. "We've had good success in recent years... It's a trophy we should be vying to win."
With the returns of Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo from injury bolstering the squad, United will hope for a victory to progress in the FA Cup – their last realistic chance of silverware this season. A win would also provide a positive send-off for Fletcher, potentially paving the way for the new caretaker to begin their tenure.
