Carrick ‘better appointment’ than ‘very strange’ Solskjaer’s choice – McManaman
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United are seeking an interim appointment, but it is likely to take until the end of the season before they appoint a permanent head coach.
Instead, Solskjaer, Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy are expected to go through an interview process before a decision is made.
Former Norway forward Solskjaer briefly replaced Jose Mourinho in 2018 and was given a full-time role before stepping down in 2021. He briefly managed Besiktas in 2025, but did not work between United and the Turkish side.
Carrick was Middlesbrough manager from 2022 to 2025 and United’s interim manager in 2021, while Van Nistelrooy was interim manager at Old Trafford in 2024 before taking charge of Leicester City until 2025.
Reports suggest that Carrick and Solskjær are the frontrunners for the job ahead of the Dutchman, with some articles hinting that Carrick is looking to take on an assistant role under Solskjær, or that the pair could be appointed as a team.
However, McManaman told TNT Sports that he believes a joint appointment is unlikely.
He said: “I would be very surprised if Ole came in with Michael. I think it’s an absolute no. I think it’s an either/or.”
The former Liverpool midfielder believes it would not be the right decision to recall Solskjaer given he was previously sacked by United, adding that he believes it would make more sense to give Carrick the job given the situation United are in.
He explained: “It will be interesting to see, but I’m sure we’ve had this discussion before. Everyone would be surprised if Ole came back. It would be very strange to get rid of him, pay him and then bring him back.
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“It just muddies the water a little bit because there’s more criticism and more people criticizing Manchester United.
“They need a clean slate and a fresh start. That’s what Michael’s coming in. If Michael’s coming in, I think that’s a better appointment.”
United sit seventh in the Premier League, but a win could move them into fourth place if the next result goes in their favor.
They lost to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season and finished 15th last year, so they have not played in any European competition this season.
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