Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Breaks Silence on Shocking Man Utd Rejection
Michael Carrick disclosed that Ole Gunnar Solskjær reached out to offer his support at Manchester United after losing the interim management role to his former colleague.
Carrick's appointment, scheduled to continue through the 2025–26 campaign, began brilliantly last weekend when Manchester City were comprehensively beaten 2–0 at Old Trafford in a dominant display.
The ex-England international was chosen by United over Solskjær—the Norwegian was strongly considered for a return to the club where he spent 11 years as a player and three as manager—with the task of securing Champions League qualification for next season, a tournament both men won as players.
Carrick had previously served on Solskjær's coaching staff at United, making their continued communication after competing for the same position understandable.
Carrick: Solskjaer Always There if I Need Him
Carrick: Solskjaer Always There if I Need Him
"Indeed, we had a conversation," Carrick acknowledged before United's encounter with Premier League frontrunners Arsenal on Sunday. "We share a close bond, having experienced much together, so his support was completely expected. He's an exceptional person whom I deeply respect. He congratulated us and expressed satisfaction with our performance against Manchester City."
"In friendships, dialogue happens naturally," he elaborated when asked about seeking Solskjær's guidance. "I have numerous contacts in various positions I could consult if necessary. I typically don't burden many people, honestly. But he's definitely available whenever I might need assistance."
Among Carrick's initial choices was bringing Kobbie Mainoo back into United's starting eleven for the City derby, and his confidence in the 20-year-old paid dividends as the dynamic midfielder disrupted the rhythm of the former eight-time Premier League champions with his energetic performance.
He also chose to maintain the 4-2-3-1 formation that interim manager Darren Fletcher had employed, completely abandoning the signature 3-4-2-1 setup that previous boss Ruben Amorim had struggled to implement successfully.
"Working with Kobbie has been tremendously rewarding, I've known him since his youth," Carrick shared during his pre-Arsenal media session. "I believe I began coaching him around age 13 or 14, while I was completing my own coaching qualifications.
"As I've mentioned previously: this institution requires young talent emerging as the cornerstone, understanding what it represents not only for the players and team, but for the organization and its supporters."
Arsenal to Provide Big Test of Carrick's Credentials
Arsenal to Provide Big Test of Carrick's Credentials
United shocked many observers by not only defeating City last weekend but demonstrating clear superiority throughout. They conceded most of the ball possession to their possession-focused opponents (32% versus 68%) but displayed excellent organization in their pressing game and forced City into numerous errors.
They also effectively contained Erling Haaland's attacking threat—to such an extent that City's striker was substituted after 80 minutes having managed only 14 ball touches.
The quality of opposition remains equally challenging with Arsenal leading both the Premier League standings and the Champions League group stage with a perfect seven victories from seven matches.
"It represents a significant test, certainly... they possess numerous strengths in their play and squad composition," Carrick observed. "Their current positions are well-earned in both the Premier League and Champions League, and we fully recognize and respect that challenge.
"We believe we're in good form and anticipate the match eagerly, so this is exactly where we want to be, with genuine positive momentum and excitement, ready to approach it constructively, though we understand it won't be straightforward."
An additional motivation for United is recognizing that success at Emirates Stadium would elevate them above rivals Liverpool in the standings. The Premier League champions suffered a setback at Bournemouth on Saturday evening, conceding a decisive 95th-minute goal from Amine Adli.