The race to become Manchester United’s caretaker manager seems to have become a two horse race between Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The exit of Ruben Amorim feels like a distant memory right now, after a week of speculation and links to countless managerial appointments.
However, many are with a mind toward the summer, when Manchester United will look to appoint a new permanent head coach.
Right now, the more important question is who will become the caretaker manager for the remainder of the 2025/26 season, with European football and the FA Cup to fight for.
Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are leading the race, with both being club legends and having successful periods in charge of the club.
With a decision likely next week, we asked the United in Focus audience on our TalkingPoints platform who they want to be named caretaker, with surprising results.
WHO is your pick from Carrick, Solskjaer or Van Nistelrooy?🤔
All three have impressed as players and coaches at Old Trafford, which do you want as caretaker?
Ruud van Nistelrooy close up.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
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Manchester United fans have surprising support for Michael Carrick to become manager
The caretaker manager should be in place before the Manchester derby, and the latest is that United have met with Carrick and Solskjær, and that a final decision won’t be far away.
Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
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Earlier in the week, Ruud van Nistelrooy was named a third contender, and we asked fans to choose between the three, with the results being very interesting.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – 40.25 per cent
Michael Carrick – 30.37 per cent
Ruud van Nistelrooy – 40.25 per cent
Solskjaer is the expected favourite, with fans more aware of his managerial work, considering years were spent in the Old Trafford dugout.
Meanwhile, Van Nistelrooy is fresh in the memory, having had a good spell last season and also managed Leicester City in the Premier League.
But the support from the fanbase for Carrick is surprising, considering he managed the least of the three and was sacked by Middlesbrough last season.
However, it shows the fans are wise, as Carrick is arguably the best coach on this list, playing a massive role in Solskjaer’s success.
What have TalkingPoints users said about Michael Carrick
Support for Solskjaer was expected, but fans have also left plenty of comments in favour of Carrick taking charge.
Who do YOU want as the next Man Utd manager?
What traits are you looking for?
Next manager graphic
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👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
One user wrote: “Michael Carrick. Just need a short-term placement, and it will probably work for Man Utd.”
Another added: “Michael Carrick will be better….”
A third explained his reasoning: “Michael Carrick will be better, Ole has failed in different clubs he manages likewise [with] Van Nistelrooy, so if you look at Michael Carrick, he is focused and determined.”
Have a view? You can let us know by signing up and getting involved on TalkingPoints.
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