Until the end of the 2025/26 campaign, it'll be former midfielder Michael Carrick in the Manchester United hotseat and the five reasons why the Old Trafford's higher-ups, notably Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, appointed him over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have been revealed.
After a hodgepodge 14 months in charge, the recently-departed Ruben Amorim was relieved of his duties after drawing 1-1 with Leeds United and hinting at disgruntlement in his post-match interview. The next day, the Amorim era at Old Trafford was over.
Darren Fletcher took over on an interim basis, overseeing a draw against Burnley and a loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, but Carrick – who has previously managed at Middlesbrough for 136 matches – has been taken on until the end of the season. Fletcher will return to the Under-18s.
Five Reasons INEOS Chose Carrick and Snubbed Solskjaer
Michael Carrick
It's now Carrick's turn to get a crack at the whip, thirteen years following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement. There's seldom been a sense of stability since the Scot called time on his trophy-laden career in the dugout, but can Carrick steady the ship until a permanent appointment in the summer?
Time will tell, of course, but there are five reasons he was chosen ahead of Solskjaer. According to i Paper, the ex-midfielder presented a tactical approach that he believes could set United on their way to qualifying for the Champions League – the primary objective between now and May.
His blueprint to success impressed those around the interview table, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox included. As did who he wants alongside him on the touchline. In the past, Solskjaer had Carrick and Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as his staff – but that wouldn't be the same this time around.
Omar Berrada
In terms of who will be supporting Carrick, he's got an impressive team of Jonny Evans, Steve Holland and Travis Binnion by his side.
Supporters, on the whole, were of the opinion that Solskjaer should've returned until the end of the campaign, but the club's top brass remember how his previous spell ended and feel that appointing the former striker – who wanted to sign the likes of Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland in 149-match spell between March 2019 and November 2011.
Manchester United assistant coach Michael Carrick before facing Southampton. Related
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The powers that be were also concerned that Solskjaer may be rusty. Since leaving United the first time around, he has had one managerial job (an up-and-down spell at Besiktas) in over four years and that lack of experience was frowned upon.
Lastly, Solskjaer's long-term ambitions – which included becoming the permanent option if all went well – also raised eyebrows in the Old Trafford corridors. Carrick, though, is fully aware that he will be leaving in the summer given it's just a short-term role.
Solskjaer's Reaction to Carrick Being Appointed As Man Utd Caretaker Revealed
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
It was on Monday, the day before it was announced that Carrick would be in charge until the end of the campaign, when Solskjaer – who, arguably, scored the club's most important goal of all time back in 1999 – was informed that he would not be the chosen candidate.
Although he was naturally disappointed not to be the No.1 pick, the Norwegian's preference was to always take the job permanently. Carrick, as mentioned though, was more-than-happy to join on a shorter-term basis. In an article covering the former midfielder's appointment, The Athletic wrote:
"Though naturally disappointed, sources say his preference would have been to take the job again on a permanent basis, working for the long term rather than only the few months until the summer."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – Managerial Statistics
Club
Besiktas
Man Utd
Molde FK
Cardiff City
Molde FK
The Norwegian is also of the opinion that United require a major rebuild to close the gap between themselves and those sides who consistently challenge for the top four – a point he made to the club’s executives during their conversations. He is, however, fully supportive of Carrick.
For now, Solskjaer will remain out of work and Carrick will return to the job he worked in between November and December 2011. Up first for the 44-year-old is the small matter of the Manchester Derby before his side travel to the capital to lock horns with table-topping Arsenal.
All statistics per Transfermarkt – correct as of 14/01/2026