Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appeared a clear favourite for the Manchester United job before a late change of mind from Ineos in favour of Michael Carrick.
Darren Fletcher stepped in to take charge of Manchester United after Ruben Amorim’s sacking, but he was never seen as a long-term appointment.
Instead, Ineos wanted to hire an interim coach until the end of the season, and initial reports were that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer held positive talks over a return.
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Despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being open to the move, United confirmed Michael Carrick’s appointment on Tuesday evening. He will take charge for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
United fans showed support for Solskjaer’s return, but one key request in his discussions swayed Ineos towards Carrick.
Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s contract request to Ineos
It looked inevitable that Solskjaer would return to United more than four years after he was sacked as Red Devils manager.
According to Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett provided an update on United’s managerial process and explained why Solskjaer was ultimately rejected.
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“It’s been made clear to me that United wanted to appoint someone who knows the club very well, someone who could hit the ground running and not be overawed by the size of the job,” Dorsett said.
“Some of the United bosses felt Ruben Amorim, despite his 14-month tenure at Old Trafford, was still surprised by how huge the club was.
“It’s also key that Carrick is prepared to work within the structure with director of football Jason Wilcox, who has a big influence here.
“It’s also clear that Carrick wasn’t pushing for a deal beyond the end of this season, something Solskjaer is thought to have sought.”
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted to repeat Man United heroics
When Solskjaer first joined United as an interim in the 2019/20 season, that was also an appointment only meant to last until the end of the season.
However, the Norwegian did so well in charge of the Red Devils that the Glazers had no choice but to give him a permanent deal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first caretaker spell at Man Utd was UNREAL
Why do you think it went so well for Ole?
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Solskjaer had a 74% win rate as caretaker manager, and he clearly had the backing of supporters and the dressing room.
READ MORE: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s prediction about Michael Carrick has come back to haunt him
His request to Ineos to potentially stay on as head coach for longer than this season shows his desire to repeat history at Old Trafford.
Ineos’ response also tells us that they are very much planning to start fresh in the summer with a long-term appointment of their own.
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