Manchester United Pursues Interim Head Coach Amid Changes

Manchester United is seeking clarity regarding the leadership of the team for the remainder of the season, with expectations of an announcement early next week, as reported by ESPN.

Following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim as head coach on Monday, the club has been focused on appointing an interim manager for the final five months of the campaign. Darren Fletcher, who served as the interim manager during the recent 2-2 draw against Burnley, is set to lead the team again in their upcoming FA Cup match against Brighton on Sunday.

The club is in discussions with several candidates, including former players Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Solskjaer is scheduled to have a face-to-face meeting with CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox on Saturday, while Carrick has already met with the club’s leadership.

Sources indicate that Van Nistelrooy, who served as interim manager for four games last season, remains a contender for the role. However, individuals close to him have suggested that he may be considered a lower priority compared to other candidates. Fletcher has reportedly impressed the leadership team with his approach following Amorim’s departure, particularly noted for his team’s offensive performance against Burnley, which included 30 shots and 10 on target.

One of the considerations regarding Solskjaer’s potential appointment until the end of the season relates to the composition of his backroom staff. Previously, during his tenure as manager from December 2018 to November 2021, Solskjaer had a supportive team that included Carrick, Mike Phelan, and Kieran McKenna.

Amorim, appointed in November 2024, had the autonomy to select his own staff, all of whom left the club on the same day as his dismissal. This has left Fletcher with the task of rapidly assembling a new support team composed of Under-21 coaches Travis Binnion and Alan Wright, as well as former teammate Jonny Evans, ahead of their match against Burnley.

Following the FA Cup fixture against Brighton, United’s next challenge will be the Manchester derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17.