Michael Carrick's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer comments speak volumes as Man Utd make decision

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is exactly what Manchester United are looking for at present if Michael Carrick's past assessment is anything to go by. The Norwegian has been linked with a grand return to Old Trafford on an interim basis following the sacking of Ruben Amorim earlier this week.

In an official statement, United explained that the decision was made to give the club the "best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish" in the second-half of the season. As a result, the board are now scouting the market for a suitable successor, with a number of names emerging as candidates.

While the likes of Crystal Palace boss, Oliver Glasner , Enzo Maresca and Gareth Southgate have been named by the bookmakers as potential long-term successors, it is reported that United could be looking at bringing in a short-term head coach before assessing their options at the end of the season.

Carrick and Solskjaer have ultimately emerged as potential names for an interim job, given both men have prior experience at the helm of the club and hold stellar relationships with the top brass of Old Trafford. As a result, the club are set to sit down with both men to engage in conversation regarding a stint with the club until the end of 2025/26.

However, Carrick may well have already talked himself out of the opportunity with a glowing assessment of Solskjaer in the not too distant past.

Speaking in 2019, the 44-year-old said of the Norwegian: "Ole’s got that personality that rubs off on everybody, he’s so positive, he’s so upbeat all the time. I think you can see that rubbing off on individuals, and that goes a long way to bringing the best out of the players."

It comes as Darren Fletcher will take charge of United's clash with Burnley come Wednesday evening, as United look to continue in their fine vein of form in the Premier League . It is also understood that the club will hold talks with the Scot over the potential of taking over until season's end, while Ruud van Nistelrooy has reportedly been snubbed by his former club .

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The Mail report that while the Dutchman was initially in the running for the job, he has since drifted out of contention. That's despite Van Nistelrooy proving his worth in October 2024 after the sacking of Erik ten Hag .

Van Nistelrooy stepped in as a caretaker manager four four matches before the appointment of Amorim in November, achieving three wins and a draw before moving on to take control of Leicester City's first-team.

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His run in the Midlands was far less fruitful last season, with the Foxes ultimately suffering relegation to the Championship and parting ways with the 49-year-old in June via mutual consent. Should Solskjaer be appointed as Manchester United's head coach until the end of the season, the club could be in good hands.

The 52-year-old took up tenure with the club between 2018 and 2021, helping United to sixth, third and second-place finishes in the Premier League. While he failed to bring home any silverware across all competitions, his endeavours in the league proved more successful than the work done by David Moyes , Louis van Gaal and Ten Hag , while Jose Mourinho also lead United to a second-place finish in 2017/18.

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