Michael Carrick is among the leading candidates to succeed Rúben Amorim as Manchester United manager, alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Manchester United are searching for yet another interim manager following Rúben Amorim’s dismissal at the start of January. The Portuguese was removed from his role as ‘head coach’ after a run of poor results and comments in the Leeds United post-match press conference, directly opposing Jason Wilcox and the board.
Amorim was named as the head coach when he left Sporting CP for Old Trafford in November 2024, but following his side’s 1-1 draw with Leeds, the United boss claimed he wanted to “be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United.”
His demand for control was swiftly ignored and, as such, Darren Fletcher took the reins before United’s short trip to Turfmoor on Wednesday evening. While Fletcher’s side couldn’t take all three points, United fans were generally pleased with the performance.
Benjamin Šeško finally started to look like the player United paid £74 million for in the summer, while Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount all made their returns from injury. Lisandro Martínez’s disallowed goal was also a point of contention, as was the decision not to send off Kyle Walker for a shocking stamp on Patrick Dorgu.
Fletcher will again take charge of the United senior squad – taking a break from his usual role as under-18s head coach – in the FA Cup against Brighton and Hove Albion, but United will be looking for a more permanent interim to take his position for the Manchester derby next weekend.
Carrick reveals interim prospects
Rather than appoint another full-time manager mid-season, as they did with Amorim in 2024, United are looking to hand the job to an interim boss until the end of the campaign, with a permanent manager taking over in the summer.
Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjær appear to be the favourites for the job, while Ruud van Nistelrooy’s name has also been mentioned. All three have played for the club and spent time as an interim manager at Old Trafford, replacing Solskjær, Jose Mourinho and Erik ten Hag, respectively.
It is understood that United are set for talks with the Norwegian legend this weekend, but Carrick could be chosen ahead of Solskjæer, following his managerial stint at Middlesbrough.
As per The Sun, Carrick was on holiday with Wayne Rooney and Jonny Evans when he was made aware of Amorim’s sacking. While Evans flew home to become Fletcher’s assistant, Carrick appeared to go “very quiet” – according to a source close to the group – suggesting he could be in with a real chance to succeed Amorim.
It hasn’t yet been confirmed who will lead United into the Manchester derby, but Fletcher may keep a role within the coaching staff. He is understood to be football-obsessed, and his tactical knowledge could be a huge boost to an incoming outsider.
Carrick or Solskjær?
Carrick and Solsjkær worked together while the latter was the full-time boss. Carrick was named as assistant manager – alongside Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna – while Solsjkær was given more of a man-manager responsibility.
In truth, the best option would be to bring both back once again, working with Fletcher to create a similar structure to the original, but that isn’t as likely to happen after Carrick’s stint in the Championship, which many consider impressive.
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If Fletcher is to be given a first-team role, with freedom to run the tactical side of the job, Solskjær would likely be the best option. Whereas, if the former Scotland international is to return to the U18S, Carrick would probably be the better choice.
Wilcox must work closely with Christopher Vivell, Omar Berrada and Fletcher to determine who could give United the best chance of a high finish in the Premier League this season.
This year is by no means a right off. United have a real chance of a solid finish, potentially in the Champions League spots.
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