Whoever is elected as Manchester United’s caretaker manager until the end of the season is set to greatly benefit from the last week at the club.
Manchester United are currently searching for someone to take charge of their first-team squad until the end of the campaign following Rúben Amorim’s sacking on Monday.
According to multiple reports, former United players Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjær are at the top of the shortlist, with both having already held virtual and face-to-face meetings with CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox.
In the meantime, U18s head coach Darren Fletcher has taken over the helm of the first-team squad, having been on the touchline for the side’s 2-2 draw against Burnley and FA Cup tie against Brighton. Fletcher is also under consideration for the role, having impressed this week.
It’s expected that the new caretaker boss will be confirmed early next week. Following the Brighton game, training is expected to resume on Tuesday, and the new manager will likely be in place in time to lead the session.
New manager will benefit from four injury returns
Toward the end of Amorim’s reign, the side was severely hampered by injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations. But whoever takes over the side until the end of the season will not have to suffer the same problems.
Immediately after Amorim’s final game in charge, a 1-1 draw with Leeds United, Fletcher was able to bring back four key players into the squad from injury.
All of Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, and Bruno Fernandes were selected in the squad, having missed the last three games due to respective muscle problems. Further to that, both Mount and Mainoo were able to secure minutes off the bench, while Fernandes played 60 minutes himself.
Mount, Maguire, and Fernandes have all played pivotal roles so far this season, and even Mainoo, who is yet to start a league fixture this campaign, is in a “good place” ahead of his hopeful improving impact, according to Fletcher.
At the peak of his powers, the 20-year-old is one of the silkiest and most technical midfielders in the Premier League, and if he can get back to full fitness, he will be an incredible asset for whoever takes over the men’s first team next week.
AFCON returns are a major momentum shift
Additionally, the caretaker manager will be able to welcome Bryan Mbeumo and Amad back to the team.
Both players were eliminated from AFCON in the quarter-finals, and with the next tie a crunch clash against Manchester City, their returns represent a significant momentum shift.
Mbeumo is the club’s top scorer this season with seven goals to his name, while Amad has been integral to the side being able to maintain and sustain attacks – a major problem that’s been plaguing the side since he departed to Morocco in December.
With the Manchester Derby their first game, the return of Fernandes, Mount, Mainoo, and Maguire, along with increasing fitness, and Amad and Mbeumo as attacking options, is a significant boost for the caretaker manager.
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