Table of Contents

  1. Interim Job Situation
  2. Personal Matters Affecting Decisions
  3. Fletcher Takes Charge
  4. Potential Contenders for Permanent Role

Manchester United is unlikely to pair Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick for the interim position.

The club is scheduled to meet with both former Red Devils, who are the leading candidates to fill the role until the end of the season.

Manchester United CoachManchester United is unlikely to pair Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick for the interim positionCredit: AP Burnley vs Manchester United - Premier League - Turf MoorUnited's executives are not in a hurry to make a final decision. Jason Wilcox (left) and CEO Omar Berrada are in no rush to finalize a decisionCredit: PA

Previously, Carrick was part of Solskjaer’s staff when the Norwegian took over in December 2018.

However, SunSport understands that this scenario is now uncertain, with it becoming increasingly likely that only one of them will take over from the caretaker coach.

Both Carrick and Solskjaer have had personal matters this week that have delayed progress, but it is believed that United's executives are not rushing to make a final decision.

United parted ways with Ruben Amorim on Monday, marking the end of the Portuguese's 14-month tenure at Old Trafford.

Fletcher confirmed after the 2-2 draw with Burnley that he will lead United’s third-round tie against Brighton this Sunday.

United's leadership has been impressed with Fletcher, particularly regarding how he has handled media responsibilities and his presence around Carrington.

He has been proactive, showing the striker videos of his movements and advising on how to improve his runs.

The FA Cup is United’s last opportunity to secure silverware this season, with a focus on achieving Champions League qualification for the next term.

It now appears to be a direct choice between Carrick and Solskjaer, with one being asked to take charge for the remaining 17 Premier League matches of the season, along with any additional FA Cup fixtures.

Van Nistelrooy, the legendary United striker, is also considered a candidate for the long-term interim role.

A table displaying Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's managerial record at various clubs: Molde, Cardiff City, Manchester United, and Besiktas, with his picture at the top right.

The Dutchman previously filled in when Erik Ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024, before taking charge the following month.

Van Nistelrooy was appointed as an assistant coach to Ten Hag in the summer of 2024, as part of a coaching staff overhaul.

United intends to appoint a permanent successor for Amorim in the summer.

The Dutchman managed Leicester City from November 2024 to June 2025, when the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League.

Carrick has been without a job since his dismissal from Middlesbrough last June, after two-and-a-half years in charge.

Solskjaer was let go by Turkish club Besiktas after eight months in August.

Manager Oliver Glasner and former Brighton boss, now at Marseille, are believed to be early contenders for the full-time position.

Several managers, including Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti, Marco Silva, and Didier Deschamps, will become free agents in the summer.

A comparison of Manchester United managers including Ruben Amorim, Ralf Rangnick, David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Erik Ten Hag, Jose Mourinho, and Alex Ferguson, showing games played, wins, draws, losses, and win percentage.

Who are the candidates for the interim manager position at Manchester United?

The main candidates for the interim manager position are Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick, with Ruud van Nistelrooy also being considered.

When will Manchester United appoint a permanent manager?

Manchester United plans to appoint a permanent successor for Ruben Amorim in the summer.

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