Manchester United have quietly opened talks with a trio of familiar faces as they search for a caretaker manager to steer the club through the rest of the season. Former midfielders Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have all been approached in preliminary discussions as the club weighs short‑term stability against a summer rebuild.
Early conversations and a shortlist of club legends
The conversations are at a tentative, exploratory stage, with no frontrunner yet confirmed. Insiders say Carrick is regarded as a serious candidate, but United’s decision-makers are keeping their options open as they assess who can steady the ship until a permanent appointment is made in the summer.
Fletcher to stay in interim charge for now
After Ruben Amorim’s dismissal on Monday following a turbulent 14 months in charge, Darren Fletcher was installed as interim manager. The Scot will remain at the helm while the club completes its search for a caretaker, a role that could see one of his former team‑mates step in to guide the squad through the run‑in.
Familiar names in the frame
Director of football Jason Wilcox has held talks with Fletcher and with ex‑United colleagues Solskjaer and Carrick about taking the temporary role. Another former Red, Ruud van Nistelrooy, is also believed to be under consideration after a successful short spell as caretaker in 2024, where he recorded three wins and a draw from four matches.
Solskjaer knows the script well: he first arrived at Old Trafford as a caretaker in 2018 and parlayed that opportunity into a three‑year full‑time tenure. Carrick, meanwhile, has been out of work since leaving Middlesbrough last June and could be ready for a return to the dugout.
Longer‑term targets already emerging
While the club explores interim options, names are already circulating for the permanent job. Oliver Glasner, fresh from FA Cup success with Crystal Palace, and Roberto de Zerbi, now at Marseille after his Brighton spell, are among the early contenders for the full‑time role. Glasner, asked about the speculation, was blunt: “I am Crystal Palace manager and it makes no sense for you to ask me any more questions about it.”
Fletcher reflects on the moment
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Burnley, Fletcher struck a humble tone, insisting his focus remains on the immediate task. “It’s surreal, it’s an amazing honour to be able to lead a Manchester United team,” he said. “I didn’t think in my wildest dreams that was something that could happen. It’s all happened so quickly, all my concentration and efforts are going on Burnley.” Fletcher added that he understands the expectations at Old Trafford and will do his best in whatever role he is asked to perform.
United’s board face a delicate balancing act: appoint a caretaker who can steady a fractious dressing room and buy time to identify the right long‑term leader. For now, the club’s past is being revisited for answers, and Old Trafford waits to see which familiar face will be asked to take the reins.
