Manchester United officially announced that Ruben Amorim has stepped down from his position as the club's manager, with Darren Fletcher named as the interim boss.
Michael Carrick is open to returning to Manchester United in an interim manager capacity and has received an approach from the club to discuss a potential role. He briefly stepped into the caretaker role in 2018 following Jose Mourinho’s sacking, later went on to manage Middlesbrough, and is currently a free agent.
Former Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has also expressed his interest and is under serious consideration. The Treble-winning hero oversaw 168 games in charge of United from December 2018 to November 2021, securing 91 wins. It is understood that the Norwegian’s return would be well-received, as he still holds significant influence in the dressing room. Former United striker and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has also been added to the discussion list, with the club initiating contact with candidates on Tuesday.
United Inclined to Name Permanent Manager in Summer
Darren Fletcher will take temporary charge of the side for Wednesday night’s fixture against Burnley, with the short-term returning Jonny Evans serving as his assistant coach. United is inclined to name a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim in the summer, when a wider and more financially viable pool of candidates will be available. Sources familiar with United’s planning indicate the club is targeting a manager with Premier League experience. Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is highly likely to feature on the shortlist; he is expected to leave Selhurst Park when his contract expires this summer.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is also held in high regard by the club; his current deal only runs until the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The German tactician is eager to return to the Premier League in the future. Marseille boss and former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is another potential candidate. Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca, who was considered before Amorim’s appointment, has not re-engaged with United since leaving Chelsea. Should Pep Guardiola depart Manchester City this summer, Maresca is also tipped to make a return to the Etihad Stadium, having received an offer from Juventus last year.
Xavi Keen on the Role
Former Barcelona manager Xavi has also been linked with the position and is open to a move, but it remains unclear whether United will consider the Spaniard, who lacks Premier League experience. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva are two other possible candidates for this summer. Ryan Mason, who was in the frame before Amorim took over, has since taken charge of Tottenham Hotspur and is not part of United’s current considerations.
United will carefully draw up a shortlist before finalising their new manager appointment. Despite insisting on appointing Amorim mid-season from Sporting CP last November (even though the Portuguese coach wanted to wait until the summer), the club’s hierarchy now acknowledges that taking their time to find a new manager is the wiser option.
