"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Emerges as Top Pick for Man Utd Interim Manager After Discussions with Ex-Players"

MANCHESTER UNITED have lined up Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to return as caretaker for the second time.

Solskjaer, who was in caretaker charge for 17 games in 2018-19 before he was made the permanent manager, for the remainder of the season

Ole Gunnar Solskaer is in line to return to Man Utd as caretaker managerCredit: Getty Michael Carrick is also in contention for the roleCredit: AP

have also sounded out former United player and caretaker Michael Carrick, who oversaw an unbeaten three-game spell in 2021.

Solskjaer managed United between December 2018 to November 2021, when he was sacked after five defeats in seven Premier League games, which included a 5-0 home hammering by Liverpool.

The 52-year-old returned to Manchester in September after he was dismissed by Besiktas and has enjoyed a number of reunions with former teammates.

for the trip to Burnley on Wednesday night and is set for more talks on his position after the game.

Fletcher rejoined United when Solskjaer was the manager in January 2021, initially as a member of the first-team coaching staff.

United have handed Fletcher the title interim head coach but it is unclear if he will remain in charge beyond the Premier League trip to Turf Moor.

On his chances of getting the job on a full-time basis, Fletcher said: “Honestly, it’s not something I’ve thought about.

“I’m focusing on Burnley. I think that discussion is for after the game.

“As I said, there’s been that much going on. It’s all happened so quickly.

“All my concentration and efforts and thoughts are going into Burnley. I know that sounds like a generic answer, but it is what it is.”

Darren Fletcher is currently in temporary charge at UnitedCredit: Getty

When asked about taking over at United, Fletcher added: “Yes, surreal.

“And as you say, it’s an amazing honour, I think, to be able to lead a Manchester United team.

“I don’t even think it’s in my wildest dreams that that was something that could potentially happen.

“But to lead out a team is an amazing honour and something I’m really proud to do, not in the circumstances I expected it to happen.

“It’s something that doesn’t sit quite easy with me, but I’ve just got to think I’ve got a job to do.

“And I’ve got to lead the team tomorrow and then think of the great honour and pride in it in doing that.

“I’ve had a conversation and the focus was on this game and then we’ll speak after the game.

“So it all happened very quickly on Monday morning. I had a game to prepare and a quick turnaround, training session to organise, speak to the players.

“So the focus has been, because of the quick turnaround from the Leeds game, on the Burnley match.

“And then we’ll speak after the game, because I think it’s important that we give the Burnley match the respect and focus it needs to prepare the team in such a short space of time.”