Michael Carrick has emerged as the frontrunner to take over as interim manager of Manchester United, following Darren Fletcher’s short-term stint. Sources within the club suggest that Carrick now leads the race, surpassing other high-profile names, including former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Over the past week, Manchester United reportedly held discussions with both Carrick and Solskjaer regarding the interim role. While Solskjaer was initially considered a strong contender, insiders indicate that Carrick’s chances have now surged, making him the favorite to guide Old Trafford through the remainder of the season.
Carrick’s Familiarity with Old Trafford
Carrick, 44, is far from a stranger to Manchester United. He previously assumed the caretaker role in November to December 2021 after Solskjaer’s departure, delivering a string of positive results during his brief tenure before stepping down. His familiarity with the club’s culture, players, and expectations is seen as a significant advantage over external candidates.
After leaving Old Trafford, Carrick spent nearly three seasons managing Middlesbrough in the Championship, further establishing his credentials as a promising young coach capable of nurturing talent and achieving results under pressure.
Solskjaer, meanwhile, was once a favorite to return to Manchester United according to betting markets. However, his momentum reportedly waned after the club held follow-up discussions with Carrick last Thursday, signaling a shift in preference.
Stronger Backing for Carrick
Manchester United’s football director, Jason Wilcox, alongside CEO Omar Berrada, continue to weigh options carefully, including potential external candidates. Yet in recent days, Carrick appears to have gained stronger support within the boardroom compared to Solskjaer.
Internally, there is reportedly some hesitation over Solskjaer’s return due to his limited managerial activity in recent years. The Norwegian coach oversaw only one club in the past four years and was recently dismissed by Besiktas in August 2025.
Solskjaer’s previous tenure at Manchester United, from December 2018 to November 2021, saw the club finish third and second in the Premier League, while reaching the 2021 Europa League final—ultimately losing to Villarreal on penalties. Despite these achievements, his stint ended without a major trophy.
Interestingly, during Solskjaer’s era, much of the day-to-day coaching responsibilities were delegated to Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna, who has since found success managing Ipswich Town. This experience gives Carrick a unique edge, as he has already played a hands-on role in leading the squad at the highest level.
Darren Fletcher’s Interim Role Concludes
Darren Fletcher’s temporary assignment as interim manager effectively ended after Manchester United’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Fletcher admitted he had yet to receive official confirmation about his successor.
“I’ll know tomorrow morning. I haven’t received any indication yet,” Fletcher told the press.
Manchester United is scheduled to host Manchester City in the second derby of the season on Saturday, January 17, 2026, a match that is now expected to mark the debut of the new interim manager at Old Trafford.
Timing and Pressure
With the fixture against City fast approaching, the decision on Fletcher’s replacement has become the focal point for fans and media alike. The urgency of appointing a capable interim manager underscores the club’s precarious situation as it seeks stability amid a challenging season.
Carrick’s potential appointment is viewed as a move to provide continuity and maintain cohesion in the squad while management deliberates long-term managerial plans. His combination of intimate knowledge of the club, prior caretaker experience, and recent managerial exposure in the Championship positions him as a steady choice to navigate United through the upcoming matches.
A Strategic Interim Choice
Choosing Carrick would also reassure players and fans, given his history with the squad and reputation for professionalism and tactical intelligence. As the club faces crucial fixtures in domestic competitions, selecting an interim manager capable of balancing immediate performance with long-term squad management is critical.
Carrick’s appointment could also influence Manchester United’s transfer and tactical strategies moving forward, ensuring that key players remain motivated and the team retains competitive momentum.
Conclusion
As Manchester United approaches a pivotal period in the season, Michael Carrick has positioned himself as the leading candidate to assume the interim managerial role, eclipsing Solskjaer and potentially guiding the Red Devils through a challenging stretch. With his experience, understanding of the squad, and prior caretaker record, Carrick offers the stability and familiarity that the club urgently needs.
The upcoming Manchester derby on January 17 will likely serve as the first true test of the interim appointment, while supporters and media eagerly await the club’s official confirmation. In the midst of uncertainty, one thing is clear: Carrick’s candidacy represents both continuity and credibility at Old Trafford during a critical phase of the season.
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