Manchester United are in the market for an interim manager to see out the remainder of the season, with the Reds still in contention for Europe and an FA cup run starting Sunday, two experienced managers top the list of desired short-term bosses.
Manchester United were held to a draw against relegation-threatened Burnley, conceding two preventable goals in unfortunate fashion, and failed to capitalise on Chelsea’s loss earlier that evening.
Darren Fletcher made his managerial debut, being promoted from the under-18’s to act as caretaker manager whilst Jason Wilcox and the rest of the board continue proceedings in finding an interim manager to see out the rest of the season.
Benjamin Sesko hit the mark and provided hope to United fans, scoring twice while being unlucky not to score a third. Sesko recorded the highest amount of shots on target in a single Premier League game against Burnley, amounting to six in total.
The return of Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and the spectacular impact from academy prospect Shea Lacey provided United fans with enough optimism to get them through this troublesome period. But with many names in contention, who is the man to take over the Reds until May?
“No No. 1’s” – Carrick and Solskjaer latest
After the Burnley game, the Reds have made it four games unbeaten, though not in spectacular fashion, drawing three out of the last four. Fletcher and his inherited squad look ahead to Sunday, when the team hosts Brighton at Old Trafford, and hope to initiate a decent FA Cup run after a dismal knockout of the Carabao Cup to Grimsby.
Fan favourites Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick remain favourites to take charge of the Reds when the board decides to appoint. Though Sky Sports correspondent Rob Dorsett has reported an appointment is likely to be made after the FA cup third round on Sunday.
Solskjaer won the hearts of the United faithful in 2018, taking over from the underwhelming Jose Mourinho and being appointed caretaker for the remainder of the season. United fans must be getting deja vu with the recent rumours.
After an extremely successful playing career under Sir Alex Ferguson, Solskjaer was appointed merely to carry the Reds to the next phase of management, but impressed so much that he was offered the full-time role. He remained in charge until 2021, when United recorded the best league finish since the ‘Fergi’ days, but was later sacked after a significant dip in form.
Carrick took over from Solskjaer when he was sacked, after supporting the Norwegian manager as assistant manager throughout his tenure. Carrick was caretaker for a total of three games, winning two and drawing one, before being succeeded by Ralf Rangnick.
Carrick took the next step in his management journey soon after leaving the Reds, taking charge at Middlesbrough, where he changed the tide and pushed for promotion, but was sacked after three years for failing to do so.
Both remain unemployed and have expressed interest in taking this short-term role. There were talks of bringing both in just as it was during Solskjaer’s stint, but those rumours seemed to have fizzled out. Ultimately, whoever is appointed will have to wait until next week, as Fletcher will likely remain in charge until then.
Fletcher impressed in short stint
After an impressive playing career at United, Fletcher was hired by the Reds in 2020, starting his coaching career as an assistant manager in the youth set-up, and has since been in various roles at the club.
From Technical Director to manager of the under-18s, Fletcher has endured the worst period in the club’s history, including their lowest league position last season and the sacking of six managers since. Now, Fletcher is in a position where he can directly impact the first team’s results, and reports suggest he has impressed so far.
A sombre draw against Burnley does not tell the full story; players like Sesko and captain Fernandes seemed to play without the shackles of inherent tactical instructions, which led to an improved performance, as stats prove United were the better side on Wednesday.
As previously said, Mainoo, Mount and Bruno returned, injecting the squad with a bit more energy after relying on inexperienced youth players in recent weeks. Mainoo especially seemed to play with a bit more freedom, dictating the play when he came on in the 74th minute.
Lacey also impressed, almost putting the Reds in front straight after coming on, but unfortunately, hitting the crossbar. His impact makes you question why fellow academy prospect Bendito Mantato was chosen over him in the Wolves fixture, and why he has been left unused on the bench in recent games.
Fletcher’s impact has injected United fans with a fresh sense of optimism, as the rumours ramp up for the next interim manager.
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