The former Manchester United manager has opened up on his private job talks with Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shown his class with his gesture towards Michael Carrick
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shown his class with his gesture towards Michael Carrick
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shown his class by revealing how he backed Michael Carrick for the Manchester United job during private talks with Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, despite being in contention for the role himself. The former Reds boss, who was in charge for three years at Old Trafford between 2018 and 2021, was under consideration to take over from Ruben Amorim in January.
Both Solskjaer and Carrick were frontrunners for the role, though the former emerged as the leading contender and was spotted in Cheshire during speculation. Solskjaer previously took charge of United on an interim basis in December 2018 after United sacked Jose Mourinho and won his first eight matches across all competitions.
The Norwegian manager then signed a three-year contract three months into his return. His tenure ended in November 2021, and his sacking led Carrick to take charge of three matches.
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United appointed Ralf Rangnick for the remainder of the season, rather than retaining their former player. Carrick soon left his role under the German coach, and his managerial career continued the following year after being appointed by Middlesbrough.
Despite being in contention for the job himself, Solskjaer admitted he had nothing but praise for his former assistant and even encouraged United to appoint him after meeting Berrarda and Wilcox to discuss the job.
"When I spoke to United, I also boasted about Michael - 'If you choose him, you will get a good man,' I said," Solskjaer told TV2.
"I think he did the same to me. Michael has what it takes to take that club forward. I think he's the right man. He understands the club, understands the fans and knows what's needed."
The 53-year-old, who insisted he made no demands about wages or length of contract, added: "None of us were desperate to get the job. We'd probably be up for the job if they asked. At the time, there was talk of being an interim coach for the rest of the season.
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"I gave my input on what is needed for the club to move forward. It was one small chat we had. There were no negotiations. Going back to what has been is not always as good.
"Yes, I had lined up, but I didn't think it would last longer than the summer. It was probably time for someone else to try."
Solskjaer believes he still has unfinished business at Old Trafford and admits he would welcome the chance to return should the opportunity present itself, adding: "I also feel like I have something unresolved.
"Of course it would have been nice to have the opportunity again."
Carrick is under immense pressure to save his job
Carrick is under immense pressure to save his job(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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However, the 53-year-old insisted that Carrick is still the right man for the job despite a torrid start to the season. "Michael has what it takes to take that club forward. I think he's the right man. He understands the club, understands the fans and knows what's needed," he added.
"Some of the same problems are still there. They're called challenges, not problems. Nothing is a problem. Those who watch the team see it. Those who work behind the scenes know what the challenges are there."
Carrick is currently on the brink of losing his job following a disappointing run of results, with the club set to give him to the November international break to turn things around. United are without a win in their last nine matches across all competitions and are being heavily linked with Eddie Howe and Julian Naglesmann.