Ole Gunnar Solskjær could make a shock return to Manchester United as interim manager, with director of football Jason Wilcox considering him a prime candidate for the role. The Norwegian is intent on taking up the position at a club where he remains a huge fan favourite as a legendary player. Negotiations between his camp and the club are believed to be under way, and senior players, led by Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire, would welcome his temporary appointment.
Should Solskjær be given the role, it is understood he would hope to make the position permanent if he proves a successful interim appointment. This would be a repeat of history: in December 2018, he replaced José Mourinho in a caretaker capacity and oversaw an upturn that led to him being given the permanent role the following March. However, as the executive are working primarily on a temporary appointment, there seems little chance that Solskjær will be recruited as the new permanent No 1 now.
Solskjær's strong pedigree makes him a serious option for Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, who view him as able to affect results positively and restore a feelgood factor. Solskjær and Michael Carrick, the former United midfielder who had a spell in caretaker charge in 2021, are believed to have been contacted on Tuesday. No prospective candidate has been met in person yet, but they will be before an appointment is made.
Solskjær led United to two top-three finishes, in 2020 and 2021, and the 2021 Europa League final, which was lost on penalties against Villarreal. A dire run of form the following season led to his sacking in late November with the side seventh. He is out of work after being sacked by Besiktas in August, his first job since leaving United.
Darren Fletcher, the stand-in head coach for at least tonight's game against Burnley, is another candidate for the job until the end of the season. The Scot said he had sought his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson's approval before accepting the emergency role. Fletcher, who will be boosted by the return of captain Fernandes and Mason Mount from injury, said: 'I don't like to make any major decisions without speaking to Sir Alex – something I've done since I've been at the club and when I left the club.'
