Manchester United are set for a decisive day of talks as club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prepares for a face-to-face meeting to discuss becoming the team's interim head coach until the season's end.
Saturday Showdown at Carrington
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hold direct discussions with the Manchester United leadership at the club's Carrington training base on Saturday. This follows preliminary talks held earlier in the week, as the search for a temporary boss intensifies following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. The Norwegian is not the only candidate, with former midfielder Michael Carrick also firmly in the frame for the role.
Carrick, who served as Solskjaer's first-team coach during his previous managerial stint at Old Trafford between 2018 and 2021, met in person with chief executive Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox on Thursday. Despite early speculation favouring Solskjaer, the 44-year-old Carrick is understood to have been given serious consideration by the club's hierarchy.
A Three-Way Battle for the Dugout
The situation presents a three-way contest, with current caretaker manager Darren Fletcher also making a positive impression. Fletcher, 41, stepped up from his role as Under-18s coach to take temporary charge and oversaw Wednesday's 1-1 Premier League draw away at Burnley. He will also lead the team for Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Brighton at Old Trafford.
When questioned about his future on Friday, the Scot insisted his focus has been solely on immediate matches. "I've been focusing on the job at hand, preparing the team for these two games," Fletcher stated. "There's been no thoughts or conversations about my future." He confirmed he has not spoken to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, dealing instead directly with Berrada and Wilcox.
Partnership Dismissed, Decision Imminent
One idea that has been ruled out is a renewed partnership between Solskjaer and Carrick. The notion of the pair working together again has been dismissed, setting the stage for a straight choice between the experienced candidates. The club is moving swiftly to appoint a figure who can stabilise the team for the remainder of the campaign, with a permanent appointment expected in the summer.
With Solskjaer's Saturday interview being the final scheduled formal discussion, a decision from the United board is anticipated shortly. The outcome will define the direction of the club for the crucial final months of the season as they compete on multiple fronts.
