Manchester United are keen to replace Ruben Amorim with a former star, with the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy among the candidates.
Manchester United are looking to the past for their future manager. The Red Devils are looking for a new face in the dugout following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, and it could be a familiar face.
The Portuguese coach was sacked earlier this week after a disappointing 14-month spell in charge. Club leaders are looking for a permanent replacement, but an interim appointment appears to be the most likely course of action.
And a number of former United stars have been floated as candidates for the role. A number of reports claim that former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær is the frontrunner for the role after early negotiations and has been spotted at Cheshire.
Darren Fletcher, who has been handed the caretaker role, is another option, while former teammate Michael Carrick could also be parachuted in. Ruud van Nistelrooy has also been named, having played the same role last season and enjoyed success.
But is that always the case when United choose a caretaker manager? Take a look at some of the Red Devils’ recent returning members and how they’ve fared since earning a spot in the Old Trafford hotseat.
read more: Manchester United schedule to appoint Ruben Amorim’s replacement as negotiations ongoing with ‘multiple’ candidatesread more: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spotted in Cheshire as Manchester United close in on signing Ruben Amorim’s replacement
Ryan Giggs (April 22, 2014 – May 23, 2014)
W2, D1, L1
Replacing Sir Alex Ferguson will always be a noble task for United. And David Moyes only had a short spell after being headhunted personally by the legendary Scottish manager.
He was sacked midway through his first season and replaced by club legend Ryan Giggs. The Welshman relied on a number of youth players towards the end of the season and ended his tenure with a number of positive results.
They defeated Norwich 4-0 in their first match, but lost 1-0 to Sunderland. United beat Hull City 3-1 and Giggs’ temporary spell ended with a 1-1 draw with Southampton.
Giggs was confirmed to become assistant coach to the next manager Louis van Gaal, but left the club when Jose Mourinho took over as manager.
Who should be Man United’s next manager? Share your thoughts in the comments section below
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (19 December 2018 – 21 November 2021)
W91, D37, L40
As for the Portuguese, he was actually replaced by another interim option. It was certainly a surprise when Solskjaer took over the reins at Old Trafford after the disastrous defeat at Cardiff City.
But it was a United-inspired decision, with Solskjaer winning 14 of his 19 games as caretaker manager, a run of form that will see him take over at the end of his term. Highlights of his time as manager include a 5-1 win against Cardiff on his debut and a memorable Champions League win against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Norwegian also led United to the 2021 Europa League final, but they failed to lift the trophy against Ajax. Solskjaer was ultimately sacked after just three years in charge and replaced by another former United star.
Michael Carrick (November 21, 2021 – December 2, 2021)
W2, D1, L0
Following their success with Solskjaer, United sought to repeat the same trick by bringing in former midfielder Michael Carrick, who played a role under both Mourinho and Solskjaer.
Mr. Carrick remained in office following the departure of his successor and was appointed on an interim basis. He got off to a dream start, defeating Villarreal in the Champions League, and also scored a respectable draw with Chelsea in his first league game.
Carrick ended his spell as caretaker manager with a 3-2 win over Arsenal, before being replaced by Ralf Rangnick. The former has since played for Middlesbrough, but was sacked by the Championship side earlier this season and is now jobless.
Ruud van Nistelrooy (October 28, 2024 – November 10, 2024)
W3, D1, L0
The most recent example of United looking back was last season when Erik ten Hag was sacked. After impressing with Dutch side PSV, former forward Van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford and became part of his compatriots’ coaching team.
He remained in charge after ten Hag was sacked and was in charge for four games. Van Nistelrooy led United to a 5-2 win in the Carabao Cup in their first game against Leicester, followed by a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
The Red Devils thwarted PAOK in Van Nistelrooy’s third game, capping off an impressive stint in the Premier League with a 3-0 win over Leicester. Van Nistelrooy did not stay on after Amorim’s arrival and was immediately given a new role at the King Power Stadium.
He had a miserable time at the Midlands, losing 19 of his 27 games. He hasn’t returned to the dugout yet.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
