**Manchester United**’s search for an interim manager has taken another turn, with Michael Carrick emerging as the leading candidate for the position. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Carrick has overtaken Solskjaer in the race, as things stand right now.
Turbulent Week for Manchester United
Ruben Amorim’s sacking last week has caused further uncertainty at Old Trafford during an already hard season. Darren Fletcher was handed the responsibilities till the appointment of an interim manager. Fletcher led United to a 2-2 draw against Burnley and a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton.
An interim manager until the summer would be the best and most preferred route for the club. This would help in avoiding a long-term commitment mid-season. Initially, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was considered the frontrunner for the position.
However, according to reports, the tables have been turned over the last few days.
Fabrizio Romano Confirms Carrick Is Leading the Race
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Michael Carrick has made “important progress” in talks with Manchester United. This has significantly placed him at the front of the queue for the role.
Romano revealed that meetings were held with both Carrick and Solskjaer. Romano said, “The understanding is that the meeting between Manchester United management and Michael Carrick was very, very positive.” This reflects the club’s positive reaction to Carrick’s ideas.
This update marks a significant decision from earlier predictions. Solskjaer is no longer leading the race for the role, and Fletcher is now fully out of contention, according to sources.
🚨🛑 Michael Carrick has accepted all conditions of Manchester United contract proposal.
The agreement is almost done and it will be sealed THIS week, as expected.
Here we go, soon. 💣🔙 pic.twitter.com/ljUUmyTOfh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2026
Why Michael Carrick Appeals to the Board
The appeal for Michael Carrick is based on familiarity and experience. He’s familiar with the club from the inside out. He spent over a decade at Old Trafford as a United player from 2006 to 2018. He also stepped into the same role in 2021 after Solskjaer was sacked.
Since then, Carrick has improved his managerial CV. Carrick managed the Championship side, Middlesbrough, from October 2022 to June 2025. He led Middlesbrough to 63 victories, 24 losses, and 49 losses in 136 games. This has given him some experience, which has led to an advantage in the race.
Romano explained why Carrick surged ahead of the other candidates. “In terms of ideas, in terms of tactics, in terms of communication, the feeling was very good during the meeting,” Romano said. He also mentioned that “the option for Darren Fletcher was never the favourite option.”
What This Means for United’s Remaining Season
There are only 17 games left this season for Manchester United after the club failed to qualify for Europe. They have also been knocked out of both cup competitions. The Premier League remains the sole focus now, with United sitting in 7th place as of now.
An interim role could provide the Red Devils with temporary stability and a sense of management. Appointing a familiar figure like Michael Carrick could provide a sense of direction. He understands the club’s internal workings and spent over a decade as a United player; this would be a major advantage for all parties combined.
United will be eager to make a final decision and bring in a manager, especially after a difficult week. With just 17 matches left, the club would be hoping to maintain positive, consistent performances and eventually hope for a top-four finish in the league.
Author’s Insight
As things stand right now, all signs point towards Michael Carrick taking over the responsibilities as the interim manager until the summer. This would be the right move for Manchester United during a difficult season. This would help the club avoid taking any high-risk, long-term commitment mid-season, which could lead to complications later.
The coming days will confirm if Manchester United entrust Michael Carrick with the responsibility.
As featured on ManUNews.com