Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly emerged as a potential candidate to become Manchester United’s caretaker manager following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. The former Red Devils striker was in the dugout from 2018 to 2021, leading the club to back-to-back top-three finishes in the Premier League. United also reached the Europa League final in 2021, but lost to Villarreal on penalties.
Solskjær initially oversaw the relaunch as interim manager, replacing Jose Mourinho, which led to him taking up the permanent post. According to the Guardian, his strong pedigree makes him a key option for the Red Devils to replace Amorim until the end of the season.
Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada see Solskjær as the “top candidate” for the interim role, according to reports. He remains a fan favorite and United bosses believe his return will bring positive elements.
Solskjaer was sacked by Besiktas in August and is currently unemployed. He joined the Turkish giants in January last year, his first managerial job after leaving United.
Some senior players, including Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire, are said to welcome Solskjaer’s appointment until the end of the season. He is also believed to be keen on the idea of a second person in charge.
But he is not the only candidate, with United having drawn up a shortlist of three, which also includes Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher, who will take charge against Burnley next.
Carrick served as United’s caretaker manager for three games at the end of 2021, winning two and drawing one. The player, who has been out of work since being sacked as Middlesbrough manager in June, is thought to be open to the idea of returning to Old Trafford.
Fletcher is another candidate to manage the Red Devils until the end of the season, but much will depend on how he performs during his first spell as caretaker manager.
United are not expected to appoint a permanent successor to Amorim until the summer, giving them plenty of time to find a suitable replacement.
Manager Gary Neville has already urged his former club to find a manager who plays the “United way”, insisting they should stop experimenting.
He told Sky Sports: “Louis van Gaal had his own philosophy. Jose Mourinho plays a certain style of football. So does David Moyes. Erik ten Hag also has a very different style of football, different to what United usually play.”
“Rouven Amorim has a completely different style of football to what United would normally expect. These experiments must stop.
“There’s a really good video online of[United legend]Bobby Charlton talking about what United is about as a football club: adventurous, exciting football, young players playing, entertaining spectators.
“United have to appoint a manager who fits the DNA of the club. Ajax won’t change for anyone, Barcelona won’t change for anyone. I don’t think United should change for anyone.”
