Michael Carrick is reportedly now edging closer to becoming Manchester United’s caretaker manager until the end of the season.
Manchester United are on the hunt for an interim manager to lead the first-team until the end of the season following the dismissal of Rúben Amorim last week.
Reports suggest that former United players Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjær are leading the race, with both having already taken part in virtual and in-person discussions with CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox.
For now, U18s head coach Darren Fletcher has stepped up to oversee the senior side and was on the touchline for the 2-2 draw with Burnley and the FA Cup defeat to Brighton.
United are expected to confirm their appointment within the next 48 hours, with a decision being finalised following Sunday’s loss to Brighton as the squad prepare for this weekend’s clash with Manchester City.
Carrick the current favourite
Following Amorim’s sacking, early reports strongly suggested that although a list of several candidates had been drawn up, Solskjær had taken an early lead, largely due to his previous experience.
But following reports that a significant issue with the former United striker was the composition of his backroom staff, the landscape changed.
As of Monday morning, according to the BBC, Carrick has emerged as the new favourite to take over at Old Trafford until the end of the season.
The 44-year-old, who won two and drew one of his three games in charge of the Reds as an interim manager following Solskjær’s dismissal in 2021, has held in-depth talks with United about tactics, managerial style, and objectives and has impressed.
When will the new manager take training?
Following United’s 2-1 FA Cup exit against Brighton on Sunday afternoon, the players will be given standard time off at the beginning of this week before returning to Carrington.
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The BBC further reports that those at United hope whoever joins to steady the ship will arrive at the club in time to take training on Wednesday morning, when the Reds are due to return.
Other reports have detailed that Carrick also has support to become the new temporary head coach from within the dressing room, having previously worked with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw.
Following his stint at United, Carrick went on to manage Middlesbrough for 136 fixtures between 2022 and 2025.
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