Manchester United are reportedly exploring an interim managerial solution until the end of the season, with the aim of keeping options open for a broader pool of coaching talent in the summer.
Sources revealed on Tuesday that former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and ex-assistant Michael Carrick are both being considered for the temporary role. Informal talks with the duo reportedly went “very well,” with both expressing interest in returning to first-team involvement at the club.
“Both of them could be employed together in some new role as part of that interim option,” a source said, adding that Jason Wilcox is leading the discussions. Talks are expected to accelerate in the coming days after Darren Fletcher leads the team for Burnley tonight, with United keen to avoid distractions ahead of the match.
While Solskjaer and Carrick are front-runners, other candidates are reportedly under consideration. Ruud van Nistelrooy, who served as interim manager last year following Erik ten Hag’s departure, is another option, though he is not considered the preferred candidate.
Manchester United’s preference for an interim appointment reflects their strategy to maximize summer opportunities. Coaches such as Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva, and Andoni Iraola are out of contract in the summer, while younger coaches like Kieran McKenna and Roberto De Zerbi are also reportedly on United’s radar. Top-level managers emerging from the upcoming World Cup could also become available, increasing the club’s options.
United currently sit sixth in the Premier League and are vying for a Champions League qualification spot, a factor that will heavily influence the interim decision. The club is aiming to balance immediate results with a long-term plan to secure a top-tier managerial appointment in the offseason.
