Manchester United has opened preliminary talks with former players Michael Carrick, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Darren Fletcher over the club’s caretaker manager role for the remainder of the season. The discussions come after the surprising dismissal of Ruben Amorim on Monday, ending a 14-month spell that saw mixed results for the Red Devils.
While talks are still in their early stages and no decision has been made, reports from BBC Sport indicate Carrick is emerging as a strong candidate to temporarily steer the team. Fletcher, who has already stepped in as interim manager, will continue to oversee the squad until a caretaker is officially appointed. The club intends to secure a permanent replacement by the summer transfer window.
Director of football Jason Wilcox has held conversations with Fletcher, Solskjaer, and Carrick about the potential role. Another former United star, Ruud van Nistelrooy, is also reportedly under consideration. Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a brief but successful stint as caretaker in 2024, winning three and drawing one of his four matches in charge.
Solskjaer himself previously served as caretaker after Manchester United parted ways with Jose Mourinho in 2018, later taking over as full-time manager for three years before departing in 2021. Carrick has been unattached since leaving Middlesbrough last June, making him available for the interim post.
Other potential candidates for the permanent managerial position include Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, fresh from leading the Eagles to FA Cup glory last season, and Roberto de Zerbi, currently at Marseille. Glasner addressed speculation during a press conference on Tuesday, emphasizing his focus on Crystal Palace: “I am the manager of Crystal Palace, and it makes no sense to ask me further questions about it.”
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Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s match against Burnley, Fletcher stressed that his immediate focus is on preparing the team for the game. “It’s surreal; it’s an incredible honor to lead a Manchester United team,” he said. “Everything has unfolded so quickly, and all my attention is on Burnley. Everyone expects Manchester United to be at the top and winning—that’s what we need to achieve, and I will do my utmost in whatever role to make that happen.”
With the Red Devils navigating a transitional phase, the decision on a caretaker could shape their season, as the club looks to regain consistency and challenge for major honours under interim leadership.
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