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 and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have emerged as the leading candidates for Manchester United’s interim manager role for the remainder of the season. The two former United players, who both have previous managerial experience at the club, are set to hold face-to-face talks with the club’s hierarchy.
Furthermore, a collaboration between the pair is a possibility, as Carrick was a key member of Solskjaer’s coaching staff when the Norwegian took over from Jose Mourinho at United in 2018. Meanwhile, Darren Fletcher, who also doubles as the club’s U18s coach, has held discussions over the interim manager position but will continue to serve as caretaker boss until a formal appointment is made. The former midfielder will take charge of his first match on Wednesday, when United travel to face Burnley. It is understood that former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is also on the shortlist of candidates.
Ruben Amorim was sacked on Monday following a turbulent 14-month spell in charge. United plan to appoint a permanent successor in the summer. Some players have told BBC Sport that a joint role involving multiple candidates cannot be ruled out, adding that Fletcher could stay in post until the end of the season if the team gets positive results in the next two games.
Solskjaer previously took over as United’s interim manager in similar fashion in 2018 when the club sacked Mourinho, before being given the job on a permanent basis and staying in charge for three years until his dismissal in November 2021. Carrick, in turn, stepped in as caretaker manager for three matches after Solskjaer’s departure, before leaving the club in December 2021.
The former England midfielder has been out of work since being sacked by Championship side Middlesbrough last June, having spent around two and a half years in charge of the club. Solskjaer, for his part, was dismissed by Turkish side Besiktas last August.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and former Brighton boss, now Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi, are the early candidates for United’s permanent manager position. When asked about the speculation during a press conference on Tuesday, Glasner – who led Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory last season – responded: “I am the manager of Crystal Palace, and it is pointless for you to keep pressing me on this matter.”
