Manchester United have held talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over a sensational return to Old Trafford after parting company with Ruben Amorim at the start of the week
Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be about to make a sensational return to Manchester United(Image: Clive Brunskill)
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Manchester United hope to make an interim appointment by 'early next week' as they continue to mull over will step up to lead the first-team following the departure of Ruben Amorim.
Amorim, 40, was dismissed less than 24 hours after the 1-1 draw against Leeds last Sunday, with the game at Elland Road being somewhat overshadowed by comments made by the Portuguese head coach during an explosive pre-match press conference. The former Sporting Lisbon chief lasted just 14 months in the role after being selected to replace Erik ten Hag by the Old Trafford hierarchy.
United are proceeding with plans to appoint an interim coach until the summer before choosing Amorim's permanent successor with Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - the club's former manager - both under consideration for a short-term role.
The latter, who was sacked by United in December 2019, is understood to have held face-to-face talks with the Manchester United hierarchy on Saturday. Carrick was part of Solskjaer's coaching team and has also been spoken to by the club.
While it remains to be seen who will get the nod, ESPN outline that an appointment is expected to be made early next week, and that Ruud van Nistelrooy - another former United coach - is also in the frame.
(L-R) Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United's English first-team coach Michael Carrick and Manchester United's Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer look on during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on October 30, 2021. - Manchester United won the game 3-0. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick, who was previously part of Solskjaer's coaching staff, is also in the frame for an interim role(Image: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
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The same report goes on to add that Van Nistelrooy feels he is 'lower down' the shortlist of names, according to sources close to the Dutchman. And while Solskjaer has emerged as the favourite to step in having done so previously before going on to land the role permanently, one of the potential issues of re-appointing the Norwegian would be making up his backroom team given he was previously supported by Carrick, Mike Phelan and Kieran McKenna, the current manager of Ipswich Town.
Solskjaer and Carrick may be the names mentioned most prominently for the role but Darren Fletcher has impressed since stepping in following Amorim's departure and could yet be asked to continue in the role.
The former Manchester United midfielder was at the helm for the 2-2 draw at struggling Burnley in midweek and will once again be in the dugout on Sunday when the Red Devils host Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup.
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