Ole Gunnar Solskjær has backed Michael Carrick’s former first-team coach following the decision to appoint him as Manchester United’s interim manager for the remainder of the season. Solskjær and Carrick were the favorites to temporarily take over the reins at Old Trafford following Ruben Amorim’s departure earlier this month. Solskjær, who managed United from 2018 to 2021 and initially made a strong impression as caretaker manager, was seen by many as a possible successor.
However, it emerged at the weekend that Carrick was the frontrunner after impressing the United board during negotiations, despite Solskjaer’s clear experience advantage. The 44-year-old was formally appointed on Tuesday night following further consultation. Despite missing out on his second stint in charge of Manchester United, Solskjaer is not upset.
According to BBC Sport, the former Red Devils striker “hopes” Carrick will take over the role and will remain in the job until at least the summer. The report claims Solskjaer considers United’s success “the most important thing” and believes Carrick will do a “great job” leading the team.
Solskjaer’s next move remains uncertain, but the chance to lead the team through the remainder of the 2025-26 season is a big one for Carrick, who left Middlesbrough in June, although an immediate return to management was not expected prior to United’s approach.
The former United and England midfielder spent two-and-a-half years in charge of the Championship team, managing 136 games. However, his tenure ended as Boro failed to qualify for the play-offs.
Remarkably, Solskjaer had previously backed Carrick, who is part of the coaching staff at Old Trafford, as a future Manchester United manager in 2023. “Michael is a big family man with values and principles, but his knowledge is second to none,” Solskjaer told The Athletic.
“He’s played with some of the best players in the world, with Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho as managers. He’s a winner, but he’s still in control of his emotions. I can’t imagine him not being the Manchester United manager.”
