Sources: New front-runner to be Man United manager named, deal edges closer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has emerged as the clear front-runner to take on the Man United job on an interim basis following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.
Michael 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.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Man United quickly made the decision to push forward with an interim replacement for Amorim, rather than pursue a permanent replacement mid-way through the season.
Solskjaer previously took on the role as United’s interim boss following Jose Mourinho‘s departure in 2018, before securing the permanent role thanks to his side’s displays.
The former United striker oversaw 149 games in the full-time role, won 78, drew 33 and lost 38 of those, before ultimately losing his job in 2021.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer backed to land Man United job
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.
With more high-profile managers set to become available in the summer, the club are now closing in on a short-term appointment, with Solskjaer leading the pack.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, obviously, was the big news of the weekend was Ruben Amorim leaving Manchester United.
“It seems now that United are going to go down the line of bringing in an interim manager to see them through until the end of the season.
“It looks like it’s a two-horse race between Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick for that role. Obviously, Solskjaer has done it before when he was interim manager before getting the job on a permanent basis.
“Carrick’s been interim manager before for a few games, he stepped in for Jose Mourinho when he left his role at Old Trafford, so two men with Man United connections.
“It does seem that Solskjaer is the front-runner at the moment, he is the clear favourite to get that job until the end of the season when they will look to bring in a new manager.
“They’re giving themselves a bit of time to make the right decision this time because they’ve got it wrong on so many other occasions in finding a new manager to turn things around.”
Who will be the next permanent Man United manager?
Man United’s decision to push forward with an interim appointment will open the door to big-name appointments come the end of the season.
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.
Glasner is the favourite for Man United, while the likes of Laurent Blanc and Xavi have also been linked with the position in the short period since it became available.
The likely appointment of Solskjaer will allow the club to assess a number of options as they are determined to make the correct appointment.
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