Ole Gunnar Solskjær has been appointed caretaker manager of Manchester United, leading the race to return to Old Trafford. But Sir Jim Ratcliffe is compiling a list of blockbuster players for the permanent position. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Michael Carrick were also being considered for interim roles following the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim.
However, with Van Nistelrooy ruled out, Carrick could still be offered a place alongside Solskjaer, although he is behind Solskjaer. Solskjaer spoke to club executives on Tuesday and is said to have been impressed by CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. The Norwegian will return from his home in Cheshire to attend the funeral of a close friend. However, it is thought his appointment could be confirmed before the start of next week.
Darren Fletcher is currently in charge as interim manager and will take charge of United against Burnley tonight. Despite this, United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe is understood to be keen to explore other options as Amorim’s permanent successor and is likely to wait until the summer.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who was approached before Amorim took over in November 2024, remains a strong candidate. Other names mentioned include Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti and United States national team manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Former United striker Solskjaer took over on a temporary basis in December 2018 following the departure of manager Jose Mourinho. He secured the job permanently and managed United for around three years.
The 52-year-old, whose spell as Besiktas manager lasted less than six months, is keen to make a second spiritual return to Old Trafford.
However, his possible return sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with fans accusing the club of clinging to past glories and lacking a positive vision.
