Manchester United have held positive talks with Michael Carrick about taking the interim manager job. The former midfielder emerged as the leading candidate after recent meetings with club officials. An announcement could come in the next 24 to 48 hours as the team looks for stability following a tough FA Cup exit.
The search for an interim boss picked up speed over the weekend. United suffered a 2-1 loss to a lower-league side in the cup third round on January 10. That result added pressure after a difficult run of form.
Current caretaker Darren Fletcher has been in charge temporarily, but the club wants someone familiar with Old Trafford to steady things until a permanent appointment.
Carrick impressed in discussions. He served as interim manager briefly in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s departure. He won two and drew one of his three games. Since then, Carrick managed Middlesbrough with solid results in the Championship. Sources say he is open to the role and ready to step in right away. The deal would likely run until the end of the season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær was also in the frame. The Norwegian, who managed United from 2018 to 2021, held talks too. He brought some good times, including a second-place finish.
But reports suggest Carrick moved ahead in the process. Some pundits called a Solskjær return “Groundhog Day” due to past patterns. The club seems to lean toward fresh energy from Carrick.
INEOS, the minority owners handling football operations, lead the search. They want someone who knows the club inside out. Other names like Ruud van Nistelrooy came up earlier, but focus narrowed to Carrick and Solskjær. No overseas candidates appear in the mix for this short-term spot.
The team sits mid-table with issues in attack and defense. Recent losses exposed gaps. Players need clear direction ahead of league games. An interim with United history could help morale. Carrick worked under Solskjær and José Mourinho. He knows the dressing room.
Fans reacted with cautious hope online. Many remember Carrick’s calm approach in 2021. Posts praised his football brain from playing days. Others worried about another short fix. The club has changed managers often since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
No official word yet on the exact timeline. Sources expect clarity early this week. Training continues as normal. Players focus on the next match while the decision hangs.
Carrick currently manages Middlesbrough. He would need to step away if appointed. That club sits in playoff contention. A move back to United would be big for him.
This latest chapter shows ongoing changes at Old Trafford. Stability remains the goal. For now, eyes stay on who gets the nod. The coming days will bring answers. United hopes the choice brings better results soon.