Man Utd Zero In on Top Pick for Interim Manager Role
Michael Carrick has become the leading candidate to take over as Manchester United's temporary manager through the remainder of the campaign, according to several media outlets.
Rather than rushing to appoint a long-term replacement for Ruben Amorim, United have turned their attention to familiar faces for their next head coach. Ex-players Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who previously managed the club permanently from 2019 to 2021, have both engaged in discussions.
Weekend reports indicated that talks with Solskjær hit snags regarding his coaching personnel. United's current coaching arrangement consists of a temporary group drawn from the youth academy, as Amorim's complete staff left with him earlier this month.
Currently, several English media sources report that Carrick is in the "leading position" in the competition to take control of United.
The Times and Sky Sports News indicate United will probably announce their next temporary manager within the coming 48 hours, while the Daily Mail suggests there is optimism at Old Trafford that an announcement could arrive as soon as Monday.
Darren Fletcher: 'Fragile' Man Utd Stars Need Help
Acting manager Darren Fletcher confirmed following Sunday's FA Cup elimination by Brighton & Hove Albion that he received "no signals" regarding when his tenure would conclude or who would succeed him.
Offering guidance for his replacement, Fletcher cautioned that United's temporary manager must provide immediate assistance to a "vulnerable" squad of players whose season risks spiraling into disorder.
"You could observe that the players are vulnerable, but they must bounce back," Fletcher stated. "Confidence represents one of football's most influential elements, so when it's absent, you must reach deep, and then confidence returns.
"It's up to them now, they must ensure they still have plenty to compete for this season. This squad remains capable enough to accomplish success this campaign, but they must dig deeper."
Fletcher continued: "Leading this club carries enormous responsibility. I've given my utmost effort and feel disappointed about not securing a victory.
"I believe there are positive elements present, but ultimately it fell short. I'm more disappointed about this outcome than anyone else. I have deep affection for the club, I want the organization to succeed, and I want the players to flourish. I genuinely mean that. I've had my playing career and cherished every moment.
"Now it's about them. We must support them, the club must support them, and they must support themselves."