‘Read into that what you will’ – Man United’s preference out of Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjær hinted at live on Sky
Man United will hire an interim manager to guide the team to the end of the season, with a decision expected in the next two days.
Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are the favourites for the Manchester United job, with decision-makers looking for a known face.
Both coaches are out of work following their 2025 dismissals, with the former having left Middlesbrough and the latter having left Besiktas.
Manchester United sacked Ruben Amorim last week, following a press conference that had seen the head coach publicly criticise the club’s processes.
In a rant that ended with him storming out, Amorim was adamant that he was not going to quit Manchester United despite the evidently troubling situation developing with the board.
Rob Dorsett shares latest on Manchester United manager race
Solskjaer was initially hired as a caretaker manager to replace Jose Mourinho in 2018, and was later given the permanent job after impressing.
Under the Norwegian, the Red Devils finished sixth, third and second in the Premier League, although they never came close to winning it.
When Solskjaer was dismissed in the 2021-22 season, Manchester United sat seventh in the Premier League – exactly where they are at this moment in time.
| Ole Gunnar Solskjaer | Manchester United |
| Wins | 78 |
| Draws | 33 |
| Losses | 38 |
| Scored | 283 |
| Conceded | 181 |
Carrick also managed his former club, but for a very brief period. The former midfielder actually worked on Solskjaer’s staff and took over as a caretaker manager following his departure.
When Ralf Rangnick was appointed in 2021, the 44-year-old left Old Trafford and was appointed manager of Middlesbrough the following year.
The race to take over at Manchester United is a straight choice between the two coaches, according to Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett.
“The next 24 to 36 hours will shape the interim head coach position at Manchester United,” he said on Monday.
“At the end of play on Tuesday, we will know who Manchester United is for the remainder of the season.”
“Both men have met with the United’s hierarchy,” he added. “Further discussions are planned with Carrick today, I haven’t been told where there are any due with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Read into that what you will.
“Carrick impressed Wilcox and the other United bosses with his plans until the end of the season. Carrick is definitely having more talks today.”
FA Cup scenes demonstrate the size of the job at Manchester United
Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton on Sunday, marking a fourth consecutive game across all competitions without a win.
Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck scored for the visitors, who took advantage of a wayward team.
The Red Devils appear to lack any cohesion and any fight. Darren Fletcher has attempted to revitalise his players, but that job will now fall to the new head coach.
And a mighty job it is, with Manchester United looking like a team in need of a miracle to produce a positive end to this season.