Manchester United are set for a decisive weekend as they move closer to appointing an interim head coach until the season's end, with club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scheduled for face-to-face discussions.
The Saturday Summit at Carrington
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will meet directly with the Manchester United hierarchy at the club's Carrington training base on Saturday. This pivotal meeting represents the 52-year-old Norwegian's formal bid to return to the Old Trafford dugout in a temporary capacity, following the recent dismissal of Ruben Amorim. The role is understood to be for the remainder of the current campaign.
Solskjaer is not without competition for the post. His former first-team coach, Michael Carrick, has already held his own preliminary talks. The 44-year-old met in person with chief executive Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox on Thursday, indicating the internal nature of United's search.
A Three-Horse Race Emerges
While early speculation heavily favoured Solskjaer, the process has revealed a more nuanced picture. Michael Carrick is receiving serious consideration from the decision-makers at Old Trafford. Having worked closely under Solskjaer during his managerial tenure from 2018 to 2021, Carrick offers continuity and an intimate understanding of the club's recent past.
However, sources have confirmed that the idea of reuniting the pair in a joint capacity has been dismissed. The club is looking for a single individual to take temporary charge.
Complicating the decision further is the impression made by current caretaker manager Darren Fletcher. The 41-year-old Scot, who stepped up from his role with the Under-18s, oversaw Wednesday's 1-1 Premier League draw away at Burnley and will again lead the team for Sunday's FA Cup tie against Brighton at Old Trafford.
Fletcher Focused on the Present
Addressing the media on Friday, Fletcher remained tight-lipped about his long-term future. When asked if he had spoken to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe about the permanent position, he was unequivocal.
"I've not, no," Fletcher stated. "I speak to Omar and Jason, that's how the processes work. For me, I've been focusing on the job at hand, preparing the team for these two games. There's been no thoughts or conversations about my future."
He emphasised the trust placed in him by the current leadership: "Honestly, the people in charge, Jason and Omar, have given me full responsibility to take control of these two games, make my own decisions, lead the team, guide the team, prepare the team, and that's what I've been doing. There's been no conversations with anybody outside of those two people in higher-up positions in the club."
The outcome of Solskjaer's Saturday interview is now eagerly awaited, with United's board facing a critical choice between legendary status, recent coaching pedigree, and the promising incumbent as they seek stability for the final stretch of the season.
