Michael Carrick has reportedly emerged as the new frontrunner for the interim Manchester United position after a weekend of interviews.
Ruben Amorim was fired after United’s draw against Leeds United last week, and Darren Fletcher was placed temporarily in charge ahead of the appointment of an interim manager who will oversee the club until the end of the season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who had held the same position until he was appointed permanently in 2018, was immediately linked. After commenting that he was “open to returning”, his appointment was seen as a shoo-in.
However, the club were also willing to listen to former midfielder Michael Carrick, who is currently without a job after being fired by Middlesborough last season.
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Carrick, it now seems, impressed club bosses during face-to-face interviews, and is the favourite to be named as interim manager in the next 24 to 48 hours.
In a 19-year career, Carrick spent 12 of those years at Manchester United, and was part of the team that won numerous competitions, including five Premier League titles, a Champions League title and an FA Cup.
He joined the coaching staff during the 2017/18 season, working under Solskjaer, and was placed briefly in charge when the Norwegian was fired, recording two wins and one draw in the three games under him.
With United seeking stability and familiarity during another period of transition, Carrick’s calm authority, deep understanding of the club’s culture and recent experience in the dugout could prove decisive.
Should his appointment be confirmed, it would represent a return to a trusted figure at Old Trafford – and a clear signal that the club is prioritising continuity as it looks to steady the ship before making a long-term decision in the off-season.
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