Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to Man United: Update on interim being made permanent manager
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been told “never say never” with regard to a permanent return to Man United as he closes in on the interim role.
The 52-year-old’s last interim spell at United, when he was hired to replace Jose Mourinho, saw him land the permanent job after what was a successful period in charge.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, if the interim manager Man United hire can win a trophy and get United into the top four, there is a chance they will be given the permanent job at the end of the season.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Solskjaer is the front-runner for the Man United job, and is currently leading a two-horse race with Michael Carrick.
However, there are currently no plans in place for the interim boss to take on the role full-time, with other big-name options being lined up ahead of the summer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could land Man United job
Carrick remains a strong contender for the role, and it is currently seen as a two-horse race, but Solskjaer‘s experience has made him the preferred option.
The former United striker previously oversaw 149 games in the full-time role, and won 78, drew 33 and lost 38 of those, before ultimately losing his job in 2021.
While it is considered highly unlikely that an interim boss will land the permanent job, it has not been ruled out if they enjoy a successful spell between now and May.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, I think the plan initially is for the interim boss to see through the season and then obviously United will have time then to go out there and get a full-time manager.
“As you said, it’s happened before, Solskjaer stepped in, did a very good job, got the feel-good factor back at Old Trafford and that led to him getting the job on a permanent basis.
“So never say never, possibly it could happen again if the interim manager comes in and does a good job.
“If United win a trophy, gets them in the top four for the Champions League. That’s a real possibility.
“But I think United really do want to bring in a top class manager. They’re not going to rush into anything, so bringing in an interim manager gives them time to look at other candidates.”
Who will be the next permanent manager at Man United?
Amorim was sacked by Man United following his press conference outburst in which he appeared to criticise the board following the 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road.
Darren Fletcher was appointed as the immediate caretaker replacement while United weighed up whether to move for a permanent or interim replacement.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been a target for Man United since the initial speculation about Amorim’s future, and is out of contract at the end of the season.
The same is the case for both Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola, of Fulham and Bournemouth respectively, both of whom are believed to be keen on the job.
The likely appointment of Solskjaer or another interim boss will allow the club to assess a number of options as they are determined to make the correct appointment.
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