Image source: skysports.com
Manchester United plan further discussions with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick before deciding on their interim head coach, with director of football Jason Wilcox conducting initial informal conversations on Tuesday. Both former players are keen on returning to first-team involvement, with Solskjaer emerging as the favourite for the temporary role until the end of the season.
Manchester United Plan Further Talks With Solskjaer and Carrick Over Interim Roles
Director of football Jason Wilcox had initial informal conversations with both former players on Tuesday, with Sky Sports News understanding there could be a role for both in the new setup. United are considering several candidates for the role until the end of the season, including Ruud van Nistelrooy who served as interim manager when Erik ten Hag was sacked in October 2024 before Ruben Amorim took charge the following month.
The club look set to confirm a short-term appointment until the end of the season to provide breathing space for focusing on a substantive appointment in the summer when more elite coaches are likely to be available. Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola all see their current contracts expire at the end of the season, while Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann and Mauricio Pochettino could become available once their international commitments conclude at the World Cup.
No meetings have been planned with Carrick and Solskjaer for Wednesday, with all focus on Darren Fletcher’s first game in charge against Burnley. However, those discussions are expected to accelerate later in the week. Sky Sports News football correspondent Rob Dorsett reported that Solskjaer would be a huge story if he returned, noting the Norwegian remains incredibly popular with Manchester United supporters despite being sacked in November 2021.
Dorsett indicated that Solskjaer is the favourite among the interim options, stating that Jason Wilcox has spoken to him and Solskjaer has made it clear he would like to return to Old Trafford. The former manager left on good terms with no bridges burnt, giving an emotional farewell when he departed. Among those linked with the permanent role are Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, though both managers have reaffirmed their commitment to their current clubs.
Current interim boss Fletcher gave his first news conference on Tuesday, describing the opportunity as an amazing honour and something he takes great pride in doing. Fletcher confirmed he has had conversations with Wilcox and Omar Berrada, with further discussions planned after the Burnley match. The former midfielder faces the unusual circumstance of having his two sons Tyler and Jack training with the first-team squad, with Jack having already made his debut under Amorim.
