EPL: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer leading contender for Man United interim role
Manchester United have identified Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the leading candidate to return to Old Trafford as interim manager following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.
The Norwegian, who previously took charge as caretaker during the 2018/19 season before being appointed permanently, is now the frontrunner to oversee the team for the remainder of the campaign.
United sound out familiar options
United have also held discussions with former midfielder Michael Carrick, who enjoyed an unbeaten three-game spell as caretaker in 2021.
Solskjaer, however, is understood to be the preferred option, given his experience in stabilising the club during periods of transition.
Solskjaer managed United from December 2018 until November 2021, before being sacked following a run of five defeats in seven Premier League games, including a 5-0 home loss to Liverpool.
The 52-year-old returned to Manchester in September after leaving Besiktas and has since reconnected with several former teammates.
Fletcher in temporary charge
Darren Fletcher is currently in interim charge and will lead United for Wednesday night’s Premier League trip to Burnley.
Further discussions on his short-term role are expected after the match.
Fletcher, who rejoined the club in January 2021 during Solskjaer’s tenure, has been tasked with steadying the side amid a compressed schedule and mounting pressure.
Fletcher plays down long-term ambitions
Speaking ahead of the Burnley fixture, Fletcher dismissed speculation about his long-term prospects.
“Honestly, it’s not something I’ve thought about. I’m focusing on Burnley,” he said. “That discussion is for after the game.”
He described the opportunity to lead United as “surreal” and an “amazing honour,” while admitting the circumstances surrounding his appointment were far from ideal.
“All my concentration is on preparing the team in a very short space of time,” Fletcher added. “We’ll speak after the game, but right now the Burnley match deserves full respect and focus.”
United are expected to clarify their interim arrangements once the immediate fixture congestion eases, with Solskjaer firmly positioned as the primary fallback option.
