Carrick and Solskjaer Lead Contenders for Manchester United Caretaker Role

Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have emerged as the leading candidates to serve as Manchester United’s caretaker manager for the remainder of the season.

The two former players, both of whom have previously held managerial roles at the club, are slated for discussions with United’s leadership team.

Given their history, it is conceivable that Carrick and Solskjaer could collaborate, as Carrick played a pivotal role in Solskjaer’s coaching staff when he took over from Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford in 2018.

Darren Fletcher, the current Under-18s coach, has also been considered for the position but will remain as interim manager until a caretaker is officially appointed. Fletcher is set to lead his first match on Wednesday when United travels to Burnley at 20:15 GMT in the Premier League.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United striker, is also believed to be in contention for the role.

The recent departure of Amorim, who was sacked after a challenging 14 months in charge, has prompted Manchester United to plan for a permanent successor in the summer.

One player has indicated to BBC Sport that it may be possible for the caretaker role to be shared among the candidates or for Fletcher to continue in the role if the team’s next two matches yield positive results.

Solskjaer initially took on a similar role when United dismissed Mourinho in 2018, eventually being appointed as the full-time manager for three years before his exit in November 2021.

Following Solskjaer’s dismissal, Carrick briefly served as temporary manager until his departure from the club in December 2021. The former England midfielder has been without a managerial position since being released by Championship club Middlesbrough last June after a two-and-a-half-year tenure.

Solskjaer was let go by Turkish club Besiktas in August.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi, currently at Marseille, are believed to be early candidates for the permanent managerial role.

Glasner, who won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace last season, addressed the speculation during a recent news conference, stating, “I am Crystal Palace manager, and it makes no sense for you to ask me any more questions about it.”