Ole Gunnar Solskjær remains the slight favourite to become Manchester United’s interim manager, though Michael Carrick has edged closer in the race, the Guardian understands. The contest follows the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, with current interim Darren Fletcher leading the team to a 2-2 draw at Burnley on Wednesday.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are expected to interview both Solskjær and Carrick face-to-face on Thursday and possibly Friday. Fletcher has been told he will be in charge for the FA Cup tie against Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday, as he confirmed: “They’ve informed me they’d like me to take the team for Sunday.”
If Solskjær is appointed as caretaker for a second time, it is thought Carrick would consider being his assistant. Carrick previously served as assistant under Solskjær when the Norwegian became permanent manager in March 2019, and later led the team for three matches after Solskjær’s sacking in November 2021, winning two and drawing one.
Reflecting on the Burnley match, Fletcher said: “They put in a performance that should win the match. We created a lot of chances… it wasn’t perfect, we started slow… but I was really pleased with their efforts.” The draw leaves United with work to do ahead of the Brighton clash.
