Manchester United hope to appoint an interim manager by early next week after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick both under considerationDaniel Marsh Senior Sports Reporter and Bruna Reis
19:29, 10 Jan 2026
Man United have held new talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.(Image: PA)
Manchester United are aiming to appoint an interim manager by ‘early next week’ as they deliberate over who will take the reins of the first team following Ruben Amorim’s departure.
The Portuguese was let go less than a day after last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds, a match at Elland Road that was somewhat eclipsed by the Portuguese head coach’s fiery comments during a pre-match press conference.
The former Sporting boss held the position for just 14 months, having been chosen to succeed Erik ten Hag by the Old Trafford board.
United are moving forward with plans to install an interim coach until the summer before deciding on Amorim’s long-term replacement, with Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – the club’s previous manager – both being considered for the temporary role.
Solskjaer, who was dismissed by United in December 2019, is believed to have had in-person discussions with the United board on Saturday.
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Carrick, a member of Solskjaer’s coaching staff, has also been approached by the club.
While it’s still uncertain who will be selected, ESPN reports that an appointment is anticipated to be made early next week.
Ruud van Nistelrooy – another ex-United coach – is also said to be a contender.
The same report suggests that Van Nistelrooy feels he is ‘lower down’ the list of potential candidates, according to those close to the Dutchman.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has also been mentioned as a potential contender(Image: PA)
While Solskjaer has emerged as a favourite for the role, having previously stepped in and subsequently secured the position permanently.
However, one potential issue with reappointing the Norwegian could be assembling his backroom team, given his previous support from Carrick, Mike Phelan and Kieran McKenna, who is now managing Ipswich Town.
Solskjaer and Carrick may be the most frequently mentioned names for the role, but Darren Fletcher has made a positive impression since stepping in after Amorim’s departure and could potentially be asked to continue in the role.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are both contenders to take on the interim role at Man United.(Image: PA)
For now, Darren Fletcher remains in charge as caretaker manager ahead of the Reds’ FA Cup tie with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday (4:30pm).
Before taking charge of the team for their Premier League clash with Burnley, Fletcher spoke about what an honour it was to manage United.
He said: “Surreal. It is an amazing honour to lead a Manchester United team especially as it was not in my wildest dreams that would be something which could potentially happen.
“To lead out the team is an amazing honour and something I am really proud to do but not in the circumstances I expected it to happy so that is something which doesn’t sit quite easy with me.
“But, I have just got to think I have a job to do and I just have to lead the team tomorrow and think of the great honour and pride in doing that.”