Michael Carrick Emerges as Front-Runner for Manchester United Interim Role

Michael Carrick has emerged as the leading candidate to become Manchester United’s interim manager for the remainder of the season, edging ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjær following the club’s interview process.

United’s executive leadership, led by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, are expected to finalise a decision on Monday. While no formal offer has yet been made, Carrick is understood to be the preferred option after holding face-to-face talks with the club hierarchy.

Sources indicate that Berrada and Wilcox met Carrick at United’s Carrington training complex on Thursday, before holding discussions with Solskjær at the same venue on Saturday. Solskjær had initially been viewed as the prime candidate to return to Old Trafford, having previously served as interim manager from December 2018 to March 2019 before being appointed on a permanent basis until his departure in November 2021. However, Carrick has now moved ahead in the race.

United’s leadership are keen to give the incoming interim manager as much preparation time as possible ahead of Saturday’s Manchester derby against City at Old Trafford.

The development follows comments from Darren Fletcher, who admitted uncertainty over his immediate future after overseeing Sunday’s 2–1 FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton. Fletcher had also been in temporary charge for the 2–2 Premier League draw away at Burnley earlier in the week.

“I’ve had no discussions,” Fletcher said. “All I know is that I have to report to Carrington tomorrow morning. I’ll find out then. I’ve had zero indications.

“All my focus has been on these games. It is a massive responsibility to lead this club and I’ve given it my best. I’m disappointed not to win a game. There are some positives, but ultimately it wasn’t enough.”

The FA Cup exit means United have now been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions at the first hurdle for the first time since the 1981/82 season. As a result, the 13-time FA Cup winners will play just 40 matches this campaign — their lowest total in a complete season for 111 years.

“That is where we are,” Fletcher added. “We can’t hide behind that.”

With United sitting seventh in the Premier League on 32 points, three adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool, Fletcher acknowledged that confidence within the squad is fragile following the sacking of Rúben Amorim. However, he urged the players not to allow the season to drift away.

“You can see the players are fragile,” he said. “Confidence is one of the most powerful things in football. When you don’t have it, you have to dig deep, battle, grind and fight for results, and then confidence returns.

“True character shows itself in difficult moments. The players have to show they want to be part of Manchester United’s future. If you don’t want that, you shouldn’t be here.

“They are experienced and talented players, and I challenge them to regroup. Someone will come in to lead them, and they need to make sure they still have a lot to play for this season.”

Meanwhile, former United forward Danny Welbeck played a key role in Brighton’s victory, contributing to the opening goal before scoring the second himself. United’s only reply came through a late header from Benjamin Šeško, his eighth goal against his former club.

Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler praised Welbeck’s influence after the match.

“He is a role model on and off the pitch,” Hürzeler said. “He is a great connector and a natural goalscorer. Even when he misses chances, he never gives up. Good strikers are always ready.”