Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has revealed Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s thoughts on the Manchester United head coach role.
When Manchester United chose to sack Rúben Amorim from his role as “head coach” – making it clear that he was not the “manager”, despite his claims – they didn’t have a backup option in place, ready to come in for the Premier League match against Burnley just days later.
As such, Darren Fletcher took charge of the team, stepping up from his role as the under-18s boss. He was supported by Travis Binnion (under-21s coach) and Jonny Evans, who returned to the club after leaving his previous role as Loan Manager. Fletcher also led United against Brighton in the FA Cup, before returning to his U18s role for the FA Youth Cup tie against Derby County. Read the full report here.
While Fletcher was the interim head coach, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox were searching for the next head coach, who would leave the club until the end of the season. The three main contenders: Michael Carrick, Ole Gunnar Solsjkær and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Carrick has since been given the role and succeeded at that, with two unbelievable results against Manchester City and Arsenal. It seems United made the right call with the former England international, but Solskjær wasn’t far off being given the nod over his former assistant coach.
Sheringham reveals Solskjær’s thoughts on missing out
Teddy Sheringham was Solskjær’s strike partner for much of his United career, including during the last minutes of the 1999 Champions League final, and we all know what happened then.
Sheringham exclusively told UtdDistrict via MrQ: “I’ll bet he’s very disappointed that he didn’t get it. But he’s that football management type, he wants to get back in charge, and there’s no better job than getting the Manchester United one.
“I know he’s been there before, and he was very optimistic about going back in there again.”
Reports came out that Solskjær wanted to be given longer than until the end of the season; he wanted to become the full-time head coach, once again. But it appears United favoured a different approach.
Carrick has already impressed many with wins against Arsenal and City, with some calling for him to be given the full-time job already.
United must delay their decision
Carrick has exceeded expectations. There’s no doubting that. But he cannot be given the permanent job just yet. United must wait until the end of the season before making a firm decision on who will become their next full-time head coach.
Any meetings that were planned to take place with potential contenders must go ahead, but another name should be added to the list. Carrick should be under consideration for the job, but he cannot be the only name on that list.
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However, most of the other names on the managerial shortlist appear to be World Cup coaches, who won’t be available until the end of that competition, unlike Carrick.
Carrick will be able to take charge of United for the first half of pre-season and even earlier. Perhaps that will give him the edge, if he can continue his form until the end of the year.
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