Interim manager: Man United dump Ole for another club legend

According to new reports, Man United are set to abandon their move for Ole as the interim manager of the club.

Michael Carrick has emerged as the leading candidate to become Man United’s interim manager, moving ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the race to take charge at Old Trafford.

Following the departure of Ruben Amorim last week, United’s hierarchy, led by CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox, have been engaged in intensive discussions to appoint a short-term manager who can guide the club through the remainder of the season.

While Solskjaer was initially considered the preferred option, recent talks have shifted momentum firmly in Carrick’s favour.

The former United midfielder, currently in charge at Middlesbrough, is understood to have impressed the INEOS-led leadership during face-to-face meetings on Thursday, particularly with his tactical ideas for the existing squad.

Solskjaer also held discussions at Carrington on Saturday, but sources suggest the board now views Carrick as the better fit for the club’s immediate needs.

The decision comes at a delicate moment for United. Under caretaker boss Darren Fletcher, the club suffered a 2–1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton on Sunday, leaving the Premier League as their only remaining competition. Fletcher is expected to step aside on Monday, January 12, to allow for a new interim appointment.

Although Solskjaer remains a popular figure among supporters and within the club, United’s leadership is believed to be prioritising a more modern tactical approach to stabilise a fragile dressing room.

Carrick’s experience as a coach under both José Mourinho and Solskjaer, coupled with his recent managerial work in the Championship, has strengthened his case.

Negotiations with Solskjaer are also thought to have stalled over the composition of his proposed backroom staff, an issue that has not arisen in talks with Carrick.

Manchester United are now working to conclude the process quickly, with the aim of having the new interim manager in place by Wednesday morning.

That would allow time for preparation ahead of Saturday’s Manchester Derby against Manchester City. If appointed, Carrick would be returning to a role he briefly held in 2021, when he guided the team through an unbeaten three-game spell following Solskjaer’s departure.