Ole Gunnar Solskjær could make a shock return to Manchester United as interim manager, with Jason Wilcox, the director of football, considering him a prime candidate for the role.
Solskjær is thought to be open to taking up the position at a club where he remains a huge fan favourite as a former successful player there. Senior players led by Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire would welcome his temporary appointment.
The Norwegian has considerable experience of leading United. In December 2018 he replaced José Mourinho, in a caretaker capacity, and oversaw an upturn that led to him being given the permanent role the following March.
This strong pedigree makes him a serious option for Wilcox and Omar Berrada, the chief executive, who view him as being able to affect results positively and restore a feelgood factor.
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Solskjær led United to two top-three finishes, in 2020 and 2021, and the 2021 Europa League final, which was lost on penalties to Villarreal. A dire run of form the following season led to his sacking in late November with the side seventh. Solskjær is out of work after being sacked by Besiktas in August. That was his first job since leaving United.
Carrick was caretaker for three games from late November to early December 2021, winning two and drawing the other.
Carrick is also thought to be open to the position. The interim head coach, Darren Fletcher, is another candidate for the job until the end of the season. The Scot takes charge of United for the first time at Burnley on Wednesday.
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Fletcher was asked on Tuesday how many matches he will take charge of. He said: “The focus was on this game and then we’ll speak after. It all happened very quickly on Monday morning. I had a game to prepare and a quick turnaround, training session to organise, speak to the players. It’s important that we give the Burnley match the respect and focus it needs.”
Fletcher was asked whether he wanted the job permanently. “Honestly, it’s not something I’ve thought about,” he said. “I’m focusing on Burnley. That discussion is for after the game.”
His first two days in charge have been memorable. “Surreal and an amazing honour to be able to lead a Manchester United team,” said the 41-year-old. “I don’t even think in my wildest dreams this was something that could potentially happen. I’m really proud to do it, not in the circumstances [Amorim’s sacking] I expected it to happen. So that doesn’t sit quite easy with me, but I’ve got a job to do.”
Fletcher will be boosted by the return of the captain, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Mount from injury. “They have trained and will be back in the squad on managed minutes,” said the Scot. “That is good news.”
Oliver Glasner refused to be drawn on suggestions he could take over at United in the summer. “I’m not allowed to bet,” said the Crystal Palace manager when informed he is the bookmakers’ favourite. “My contract is one paragraph. I tell you I’m not allowed to bet, and I don’t look at it. I’m Crystal Palace manager, and I think it just makes no sense, and it’s wasting time for you to ask me any more questions, so I don’t talk about any other club than Crystal Palace.”
Glasner is yet to sign a contract at Selhurst Park beyond this season but does not believe uncertainty over his future is a distraction. “You can win trophies and six months later you aren’t the manager there any more, so I think if you see the length of the contract doesn’t mean anything about the future,” he said. – Guardian
