Manchester United's search for a new interim manager has taken a dramatic turn, with club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emerging as the bookmakers' favourite for a sensational return to the Old Trafford dugout.
This development comes after the sacking of Ruben Amorim on Monday, following his public criticism of the club's hierarchy after a draw with Leeds United. Academy director Darren Fletcher has stepped in temporarily, overseeing a 2-2 draw with Burnley on Wednesday.
Rangnick's Revealing Conversation
Intriguingly, past comments from former United interim boss Ralf Rangnick have resurfaced, highlighting his significant respect for Solskjaer. When Rangnick took over in November 2021, he revealed he had held a lengthy conversation with the departing Norwegian.
"I spoke with Ole last Sunday before the game against Chelsea for almost two hours," Rangnick said at the time. "He was very generous to spend... more than one-and-a-half hours on the phone with me, telling all his inside details about the team."
This generous sharing of knowledge stands in contrast to Rangnick's own troubled tenure, where he won just 11 of 29 matches. Solskjaer, meanwhile, had thrived in a caretaker role himself, securing 14 wins from 19 games before being handed the job permanently in March 2019.
Solskjaer's Openness to a United Comeback
The 52-year-old Solskjaer, who managed United for nearly three years until November 2021, is understood to be among several coaches who have held discussions about the vacancy. The club is seeking a manager for the remainder of the season before appointing a permanent successor to Amorim.
Solskjaer has previously signalled his willingness to return. During a Q&A in September 2024, he stated: "If the family [United] asks, I would say yes every day of the week... I would say yes, of course."
Since leaving United, Solskjaer's only managerial role was at Besiktas, which ended in August 2025 after a Europa Conference League play-off defeat.
Fletcher's Interim Stint and the Road Ahead
Current caretaker Darren Fletcher, who consulted Sir Alex Ferguson before accepting the role, will take charge of his first match at Old Trafford this Sunday in the FA Cup against Brighton.
Fletcher emphasised his close ties to the club's legendary manager, saying: "I've got a really good relationship with Sir Alex so he's probably the first person on the phone... I wanted to run it by him, what he thought and he was supportive of it."
United's hierarchy will be hoping their next interim appointment can spark a revival similar to Solskjaer's initial impact, as they navigate a critical period in their season. Other names linked with the short-term role include former coaches Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
