Summary:
- Manchester United are close to naming a new interim head coach, with Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the two main options.
- Darren Fletcher’s temporary spell has ended, and the club wants a decision before Saturday’s derby against Manchester City.
- With both cups gone, the new coach’s main task is to steady the team and push for European qualification.
Manchester United who were described as worsening under Amorim by Wayne Rooney, finally sacked the head coach after he fell out with the board over his title. The club as now moving quickly toward naming a new interim head coach, with the club keen to settle the issue before preparations begin for Saturday’s derby against Manchester City.
Fletcher Is Out, Who’s Next?
The choice appears to have narrowed to two familiar faces: Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Both have held detailed talks with senior figures at the club and outlined how they would handle the role.
Those meetings are understood to have gone well, particularly in Carrick’s case, where his ideas and clarity reportedly stood out. At the same time, we cannot disregard the affection many inside the club still have for Solskjaer, whose previous spell in charge remains a popular one with players and supporters alike.
Darren Fletcher’s short stint as interim boss is now over. After Sunday’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton, he confirmed his agreed period in charge had ended. Fletcher is due back at the Carrington training ground on Monday to discuss what role the club wants him to take next, if any.
More Talks Schedueld for Monday
Monday will also be a key day in the decision-making process. Further talks are planned with Carrick and Solskjaer, led by director of football Jason Wilcox.
United wants the appointment finalized quickly, ideally giving the new interim manager most of the week to work with the squad ahead of a major test at Old Trafford.
With exits from both domestic cups now confirmed, the Premier League is all United have left to focus on this season. The brief for the incoming coach is straightforward but demanding. Stabilise results, restore some belief, and push for a European qualification place.
The mood at the final whistle against Brighton said plenty. A heavy silence around Old Trafford followed a few boos. It felt like another low point in a season that has already offered too many.
There was also a sobering statistic circulating. United’s campaign will end after 40 matches, their shortest season since 1914-15, when cup competitions were suspended due to the First World War.
Early exits against Grimsby in the Carabao Cup and Brighton in the FA Cup marked the first time since 1981-82 that United have been knocked out of both domestic cups at the first attempt.
Now, with Carrick and Solskjaer both linked to another return, Manchester United are once again looking backward while searching for a way forward. The next five league games, starting with Manchester City and Arsenal, will quickly show whether this decision brings clarity or just more questions.