Man Utd timeline for manager decision emerges after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer talks

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Manchester United hope to make an interim appointment by 'early next week' as they continue to mull over will step up to lead the first-team following the departure of Ruben Amorim.

Amorim, 40, was dismissed less than 24 hours after the 1-1 draw against Leeds last Sunday, with the game at Elland Road being somewhat overshadowed by comments made by the Portuguese head coach during an explosive pre-match press conference. The former Sporting Lisbon chief lasted just 14 months in the role after being selected to replace Erik ten Hag by the Old Trafford hierarchy.

United are proceeding with plans to appoint an interim coach until the summer before choosing Amorim's permanent successor with Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - the club's former manager - both under consideration for a short-term role.

The latter, who was sacked by United in December 2019, is understood to have held face-to-face talks with the Manchester United hierarchy on Saturday. Carrick was part of Solskjaer's coaching team and has also been spoken to by the club.

While it remains to be seen who will get the nod, ESPN outline that an appointment is expected to be made early next week, and that Ruud van Nistelrooy - another former United coach - is also in the frame.

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The same report goes on to add that Van Nistelrooy feels he is 'lower down' the shortlist of names, according to sources close to the Dutchman. And while Solskjaer has emerged as the favourite to step in having done so previously before going on to land the role permanently, one of the potential issues of re-appointing the Norwegian would be making up his backroom team given he was previously supported by Carrick, Mike Phelan and Kieran McKenna, the current manager of Ipswich Town.

Solskjaer and Carrick may be the names mentioned most prominently for the role but Darren Fletcher has impressed since stepping in following Amorim's departure and could yet be asked to continue in the role.

The former Manchester United midfielder was at the helm for the 2-2 draw at struggling Burnley in midweek and will once again be in the dugout on Sunday when the Red Devils host Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup .

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