Manchester United have begun preliminary discussions with several potential candidates for the role of interim manager, including former managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick, following the surprising dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim on Monday, sources have informed ESPN.
The talks, described by insiders as “early-stage and informal,” are part of a broader process by which United’s executive team is assessing interim options ahead of the remainder of the 2025–26 season. Ruud van Nistelrooy, who briefly managed the first team for four games last season following the departure of Erik ten Hag, is also believed to be under consideration. Notably, former captain Wayne Rooney has not been approached.
The club plans to hold face-to-face meetings with shortlisted candidates, with Solskjaer and Carrick understood to be at the top of the list. United are now searching for their seventh permanent manager since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in May 2013, highlighting the club’s ongoing managerial instability.
In the immediate term, under-18 coach Darren Fletcher has been placed in temporary charge for Wednesday’s Premier League fixture at Burnley and Sunday’s FA Cup third-round home clash against Brighton & Hove Albion. However, sources indicate that the hierarchy is leaning towards appointing an experienced interim manager for the remainder of the season, before deciding on a permanent appointment in the summer. CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox have reportedly initiated exploratory conversations with potential candidates to gauge interest and availability.
Solskjaer, who managed United for three years before being dismissed in November 2021, has been out of work since leaving Besiktas in August. Carrick, who enjoyed an unbeaten three-game stint as interim manager after Solskjaer’s departure, has been available since leaving Middlesbrough last summer following almost three years in charge of the Championship side.
Sources emphasise that discussions so far are exploratory, with a range of options under consideration, signalling United’s cautious approach as they seek stability after Amorim’s 14-month tenure.
Potential Interim Candidates at Manchester United
| Candidate | Previous United Role | Recent Experience | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ole Gunnar Solskjaer | Manager (2018–2021) | Besiktas (sacked August 2025) | Three-year United spell; informal talks held |
| Michael Carrick | Interim Manager (2021) | Middlesbrough (EFL Championship) | Undefeated in three games as interim |
| Ruud van Nistelrooy | Interim Manager (2025) | None | Managed four games last season |
| Darren Fletcher | Under-18 Coach (current) | None | Temporarily in charge for upcoming fixtures |
Manchester United now face the critical task of appointing a stabilising figure to steer the club through the remainder of the season, with both domestic league and cup commitments looming.