Thirteen years after Sir Alex Ferguson headed off into the sunset, Manchester United are onto their 11th manager, an interim to be appointed until the end of another trophyless season.
Michael Carrick is the club legend who is likely to get the nod. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had looked set to be given the monumental task of restoring the mood at United, but Carrick seems to have won the race.
Ruud van Nistelrooy and Darren Fletcher had also been in the running, though Fletcher’s audition fell flat after failing to see victory in his two games in temporary charge.
The i Paper understands it is Carrick who has impressed chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox most in talks over the past few days.
Carrick’s tactics
The former Middlesbrough manager presented a tactical approach he feels could help steer United to Champions League qualification, a target senior figures believe is still achievable despite Ruben Amorim’s sacking. His blueprint impressed.
The assistants
One of the main concerns over appointing Solskjaer is who would make up his backroom staff. During his time as manager between 2018 and 2021, Carrick was his assistant, along with Kieran McKenna and Mike Phelan. Given he wants the role himself, Carrick is not going to play second fiddle this time and neither would Ipswich boss McKenna.
Carrick is understood to be planning to have Fletcher assisting him, given the former midfield pair still have a good relationship, and one other coach. Jonny Evans is one name mentioned, as is former England defender Jonathan Woodgate.
Solskjaer’s history
Solskjaer retains the support of some senior figures at Old Trafford, The i Paper understands, but others remember how it ended and feel the scorer of the club’s most famous-ever goal would be another step backwards.
Supporters, on the whole, would go for Solskjaer. The Norwegian would be a popular pick as his tenure is widely regarded as the most exciting football United have played since Ferguson, even if results quickly took a downturn.
Experience
Solskjaer wanted another chance as permanent manager (Photo: PA)In the eyes of Ineos’ power brokers, the fact Solskjaer has had one managerial job in over four years since leaving Old Trafford, a disappointing short spell in Turkey with Besiktas, is not the kind of experience needed to steady a sinking ship.
Long-term ambitions
Solskjaer’s long-term ambitions concerned some, The i Paper has learned. Carrick is fully aware this is a role until the end of the season, with a permanent candidate to be lined up and appointed in the summer.
Had Solskjaer been given the interim role, however, it is understood the 52-year-old harboured ambitions to be given another crack at the job full time, should his temporary stint have gone well.
Your next read
square MARK DOUGLASThe FA Cup has been ruined
square FOOTBALL On The RoadExeter City and the dying dream of English football
square FOOTBALL Sport AnalysisMan Utd are broken beyond repair
square FOOTBALL Sport Analysis‘Disgraceful and ignorant’: Crystal Palace are falling apart
United are aware that appointing another legendary player is not going to cut it with some of the more desperate supporters. They are therefore hoping to persuade a big-name coach to come to Old Trafford after Carrick has kept the dugout seat warm.
A host of names have been linked, but one candidate who has cropped up in several conversations is Thomas Tuchel, even if the German turned United down when they last approached him prior to Amorim’s appointment.
There is a feeling that after the World Cup, the pinnacle of international management, the England coach will want a fresh challenge. And in world football, there is none bigger than United.
Hence then, the article about the five reasons man utd want carrick and are wary of solskjaer was published today ( ) and is available on inews ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( The five reasons Man Utd want Carrick – and are wary of Solskjaer )
Also on site :
- commercetools Kicks Off NRF 2026 - including Updates on Stripe ACS, AI Hub, and Helping Enterprises Stay Discoverable and Shoppable in Agentic Commerce
- inDrive turns to ads and groceries to diversify revenue
- Clover Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Trial for RSV + hMPV ± PIV3 Respiratory Combination Vaccine Candidates