Manager Gary Neville has given a clear verdict on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s potential return to Manchester United following Ruben Amorim’s departure from Old Trafford.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville says his former club is repeating the same mistakes Liverpool made before Jurgen Klopp took over, and is stuck in an endless loop of appointing and sacking managers. United are currently searching for a new head coach at Old Trafford, having shown Ruben Amorim the door earlier this week after drawing with rivals Leeds at the weekend.
Darren Fletcher has been temporarily appointed manager for tonight’s game against Burnley, but the Red Devils are reportedly in talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick about a potential return to the spotlight.
Neville, who was mentioned in Amorim’s farewell words at the club, does not rule out Solskjaer winning the role permanently if he can revive United’s fortunes, but pundits have drawn compelling parallels with United’s rivals Liverpool.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville said: “I don’t do that. I think there are factors. I think we went through a period at Liverpool for about 25 or 30 years where they didn’t win.”
read more: Manchester United face uncomfortable truth over decision to replace Ruben Amorimread more: Ole Gunnar Solskjær completely scraps plans to return to management following Man United twist
“It’s almost a repeat of the cycle, but United have been doing this for 12 years. 10 years ago Ryan[Giggs]came in as manager, then Ole[Gunnar Solskjær]came in and we’re back to the old team.
“Then you go get a new one, and then you go get another one, and it’s pretty much a cycle and a movie that we’ve all seen before, like Groundhog Day.
“Look, I think Ole is a guy who really loves the club. He knows the job and has been involved in the job.
“Other names that have been mentioned are obviously Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy. They’re really great guys. I’ve played with them for a number of years and they really love the club.
“They’ve got a club, but if the results don’t go their way, they’re going to be under a lot of pressure for the next four or five months. So, look, they’ve got to prepare for that…Whoever they get out of the three named, I wish them the best of luck because it’s a difficult role.”
Fletcher was previously a first-team coach under former manager Erik ten Hag and also held the role of technical director at United.
This will be his first foray into management and, as a result, the Old Trafford giants are considering bringing in a more experienced caretaker manager until the end of the season, with both Solskjær and Carrick included in the slot.
Asked about the possibility of a return to United ahead of Amorim’s appointment as head coach, Solskjaer admitted in a Q&A at the Oslo Business Forum that he would take the call if he got the call again.
“If my family (United) asked, I would say yes every day,” he said. “It feels wrong to talk about jobs that other people have, but of course I do,” I say.
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