Manchester United’s circus continued at the weekend as the once-mighty Red Devils limped towards their second domestic cup exit of the season. Without the benefit of European football, United would only be able to play 40 games in all competitions this season.
This was, of course, influenced by their loss to fourth-tier side Grimsby Town in the second round of the League Cup earlier in the season, a result that is known as one of Ruben Amorim’s worst as a manager. However, with the Portuguese tactician already gone, all eyes are now on who will be in charge of United’s final 17 games of the 2025/26 season.
It looked like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would make a triumphant return just over four years after his controversial sacking. However, following direct negotiations with INEOS executives, it has been reported that Michael Carrick appears most likely to take over the role until the end of the season.
Carrick has been caretaker manager for three games since Solskjaer was sacked in 2021 and is said to already have huge support within the United dressing room. This is according to ESPN, which claims that United’s existing players are enthusiastic about the prospect of Carrick being in charge for the remainder of the season.
It has been suggested that United’s leaders want to make an announcement early this week to give his replacement enough time to prepare for Saturday’s Manchester derby. This ends Darren Fletcher’s two-match spell as United caretaker manager, culminating in Saturday’s third-round defeat to Brighton.
Looking back, manager Fletcher said: “When things get tough, real character comes out. We know that in tough times real character comes out, so they’ve got to dig in and see if they want to be part of the future of Manchester United. And in the end, if they don’t, then I don’t think they should be here and they shouldn’t be here. It sounds strong, but that’s the reality and that’s the way it should be.”
Fletcher added: “That’s where we are. We can’t hide behind it.” We have to face it, we have to deal with it, but it’s not at the level of Manchester United or what is expected of Manchester United. The players must come together and take responsibility. Find a way to improve quickly and challenge yourself for the rest of the season. Don’t waste the season. ”
