Manchester United Sound Out Two Legends Over Interim Manager’s Role After Ruben Amorim’s Exit

Manchester United legends Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are reportedly in a two-way contest to take over as the club's interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Sources indicate that both Solskjaer and Carrick held discussions with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox on Tuesday. However, the club is expected to delay a final decision until face-to-face meetings have been conducted with both candidates.

While Darren Fletcher, who will serve as caretaker manager for Wednesday's match against Burnley, remains an outside contender, former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is no longer in the running for the temporary position.

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Solskjaer, a fan favourite from his playing days, has emerged as a serious candidate for an emotional return to the Old Trafford dugout. He previously served as a successful interim manager following Jose Mourinho's departure in December 2018, a role that led to a nearly three-year spell as permanent boss.

In a twist of fate, it was Carrick who stepped in as caretaker for three matches after Solskjaer was dismissed in November 2021. The 44-year-old former England midfielder is available after being sacked by Middlesbrough in June and is being given serious consideration by the United hierarchy.

All four men considered for the role—Solskjaer, Carrick, Fletcher, and Van Nistelrooy—played under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. The iconic manager, who recently celebrated his 84th birthday, was seen at the Carrington training ground on Tuesday meeting with Berrada and Wilcox.

With Van Nistelrooy out of contention, Fletcher will have a chance to make his case when he leads the team at Turf Moor. The 41-year-old Scot described the opportunity as "beyond his wildest dreams" but stated that any discussions about his long-term future would wait until after the game.

"I've had a conversation and the focus was on this game," Fletcher said as quoted by Dailymail. "I've got a game to prepare for, a training session to organise, and I've been speaking to the players. The focus has been on the Burnley match and we'll speak after the game."

Fletcher will be supported by Under-21s coaches Travis Binnion and Alan Wright, along with Jonny Evans, who has returned to the club's coaching staff. The interim boss remained tight-lipped on whether he would abandon the back-three system used by his predecessor, Ruben Amorim.

Before accepting the caretaker position, Fletcher revealed he sought the approval of his former mentor, Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I don't like to make any major decisions or things without speaking to Sir Alex," Fletcher explained. "He's probably the first person on the phone actually. I wanted to speak to him first, and ultimately to get his blessing to be perfectly honest with you. I think he deserves that respect."

Fletcher also mentioned his attempts to contact the recently dismissed Amorim, though he has not yet been successful. "I've reached out to him," he said. "I'd love to because I had a good relationship with Ruben. He was great with me and ultimately he's the manager who gave my son (Jack) his debut as well. So as a father I've got a lot to thank him for."