Manchester United could announce their interim manager as soon as today, with the leading candidate between Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick clear following talks at Carrington
Scott Trotter Sports Writer and Neil Docking
07:05, 12 Jan 2026Updated 07:07, 12 Jan 2026
Darren Fletcher's time as caretaker manager at Manchester United could be coming to an end today
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Darren Fletcher's time as caretaker manager at Manchester United could be coming to an end today(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United could announce a new interim head coach for the remainder of the season as early as today, with a new favourite emerging for the role.
Ruben Amorim was let go from his duties at Old Trafford just a week ago, with ex-United midfielder Darren Fletcher stepping in for matches against Burnley and Brighton. The club's top brass, including director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrarda, have held meetings with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick before making their final decision.
Former Middlesbrough manager Carrick had talks on Thursday, while ex-United boss Solskjaer met with the pair over the weekend at Carrington, according to The Guardian. And it's said that Carrick - previously a coach under Solskjaer and caretaker when the Norwegian was sacked by the club in 2021 - is now their preferred choice for the position.
Mike Phelan, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick in the dugout for United back in 2019
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Mike Phelan, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick in the dugout for United back in 2019(Image: 2019 Robin Jones)
There's a desire to appoint an interim boss swiftly enough to allow ample time for preparation for the Manchester derby. United are set to host Manchester City at Old Trafford in the Premier League this Saturday, reports the Manchester Evening News.
If ex-England man Carrick is indeed the chosen one, he may face a tough task in boosting a squad that has already been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions and can now only secure a European spot through league performance.
Fletcher painted a worrying picture for the incoming manager. Following Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford, he said: "You can see that the players are fragile and they need to build themselves up because it's up to them now – they have got to respond.
Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
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Michael Carrick is now favourite over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer(Image: Peter Powell - Pool/Getty Images)
"Confidence is one of the most powerful things in football. When you don't have confidence, you have to dig deep – and you have to battle, grind, fight, work, win games – and then the confidence comes back."
Fletcher maintained he remains completely in the dark about his future prospects. The Scottish manager is scheduled for discussions at Carrington on Monday morning.
"I've had zero indication, and because all my energy and focus and concentration has had to be on these two games, in such a quick turnaround, and preparing the team, a three-game week, you know, everything that I said," he remarked.
Brighton dumped Manchester United out of the FA Cup and ended their chances of winning any silverware this season
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Brighton dumped Manchester United out of the FA Cup and ended their chances of winning any silverware this season(Image: )
"So, I genuinely mean that. It's a massive responsibility to lead this club, and I've gave it my best and ultimately I'm disappointed to not be able to win a game or to get a result today.
"But I feel like there were some good things in there. We created a lot of chances, shots, things like that. But, ultimately, it wasn't enough.
"So I am more disappointed than anybody, really, because I care for the club and I want the club to do well and I want the players to do well.
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"And genuinely mean that, it's not about me. I've had my time as a player, it's in the bank now, it's done. Loved every minute of it, was very lucky. It's all about them. But we need to help them, the club need to help them, and they're going to need to help themselves."