Manchester United, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world, is currently on the hunt for a new caretaker manager. The frontrunners for this role are none other than former players Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Carrick and Solskjaer have both previously managed Manchester United, making them strong contenders to take up the reins once again. They are set to have face-to-face discussions with club leadership about potentially stepping into this interim role until a permanent successor can be appointed.
Interestingly, it's not out of question that these two could work together in managing the team. This wouldn't be their first collaboration - Carrick was an integral part of Solskjaer's coaching team when he took over from Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford back in 2018.
Other potential candidates
While Carrick and Solskjaer lead the pack, there are other potential candidates being considered as well. Darren Fletcher, currently serving as interim manager and coach of United’s Under-18s team, has also been approached about taking on this role permanently. Ruud van Nistelrooy, an ex-United striker is another name that has surfaced as a possible contender.
Fletcher will continue his duties as interim manager until a decision is made regarding who will fill this position temporarily. His first match in charge will be against Burnley (20:15 GMT) on Wednesday in Premier League fixture.
The search for a caretaker comes after Amorim was dismissed following 14 turbulent months at helm of Manchester United. The club plans to announce Amorim’s permanent successor by summer. There has been speculation among players that more than one contender might share the caretaker role, or that Fletcher could remain in the position until season’s end if the next two matches yield positive results.
Past experiences
Solskjaer is no stranger to stepping in as a caretaker. He initially took charge of United under similar circumstances when Mourinho was sacked in 2018. His successful stint led to him being appointed as full-time manager for three years before his dismissal in November 2021.
Carrick also had a brief spell as temporary boss following Solskjaer's departure, but left the club in December 2021. The former England midfielder has been out of work since his dismissal by Championship club Middlesbrough last June after two-and-a-half years at helm.
While Carrick and Solskjaer are leading contenders for the caretaker role, there are also early contenders emerging for the permanent position. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi - now at Marseille - are understood to be among those considered. As Manchester United navigates this transitional period, fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see who ultimately takes on these pivotal roles.
