Manchester United’s decision-making process following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim has been shaped as much by internal sentiment as boardroom discussion. With the club keen to install an interim manager quickly and avoid further instability, senior figures have been canvassing views inside the squad alongside formal interviews. While familiarity and past success were initially seen as advantages for some candidates, the mood within the dressing room has ultimately played a decisive role. As United look to steady the ship ahead of a demanding run of fixtures, player confidence and buy-in have emerged as key factors in determining who will take charge for the remainder of the season.
Man Utd players block Solskjaer return as Carrick moves closer
Ole Gunnar Solksjaer
Manchester United have turned to Michael Carrick as their interim manager after senior players expressed reservations about the return of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to reports from the Daily Star. Solskjaer had been strongly linked with a comeback following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, and was interviewed twice for the role, but concerns raised within the squad are understood to have halted that move.
Several players are said to have communicated a lack of confidence in Solskjaer to club executives, instead voicing a preference for Carrick to guide the team through the remainder of the campaign. That internal feedback is believed to have been influential as United’s hierarchy narrowed their focus, with Carrick now expected to be confirmed as interim head coach until the end of the season.
Why the dressing room favoured Carrick
Michael Carrick
Carrick’s appeal among players stems largely from familiarity and trust. The former midfielder spent years inside the club as both a player and coach, working closely with the current squad during Solskjaer’s tenure and briefly stepping into the dugout himself following the Norwegian’s departure in 2018. Sources suggest his calm demeanour, clear communication and understanding of the dressing-room dynamic have left a positive impression, particularly at a time when stability is valued over dramatic change.
Solskjaer, by contrast, managed United between 2018 and 2021, winning 54 per cent of his 168 matches in charge before being dismissed. While he retains support externally and is understood to have been open to a return, the reaction from within the squad ultimately counted against him as United weighed up their short-term options.
What happens next at Old Trafford
Jason Wilcox and Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Carrick’s appointment is expected to be confirmed within the next 24 hours, following a process overseen by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. The 44-year-old is due to take his first training session on Wednesday, giving him limited preparation time ahead of a high-profile Premier League clash with Manchester City at Old Trafford this weekend.
United’s recent form has added urgency to the decision, with just one win in their last seven matches across all competitions. Carrick previously took charge of three games as interim in 2018, recording two wins and a draw, before later moving into management with Middlesbrough. Now, with the backing of the dressing room, he appears set for a second spell at the helm as United look to stabilise their season.