Rating Every Interim Boss Who Stepped Up to Save Manchester United

Manchester United's managerial history spans more than 130 years, tracing back to the club's early days as Newton Heath during the 1880s.

During that era, management involved administrative duties and team selection was handled by committee—a stark difference from today's football operations. Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson stand out as the most notable figures to have led England's largest club, with Ferguson especially achieving extraordinary success throughout his legendary 27-year reign.

The situation has been more complex since Ferguson stepped down in 2013. Multiple managers have come and departed, frequently dismissed after failing to meet performance expectations, and there's been a notable rise in temporary or caretaker appointments.

Here, Sports Illustrated evaluates the effectiveness of the six individuals who have served as temporary leaders of United, charged with ensuring the smoothest possible transition to a new era.

6. Ralf Rangnick

Matches: 29
Victory rate: 38%

Ralf Rangnick arrived at United in December 2021 carrying an international reputation as an organizational architect. He was instrumental in Hoffenheim's climb through German football's hierarchy but gained most recognition for his sporting director roles at Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig, plus his position as head of sport and development across Red Bull's global football network—comparable to Jürgen Klopp's current role with the beverage corporation.

Rangnick, who later found success managing Austria's national squad, is recognized as the pioneer of contemporary German gegenpressing, the tactical approach that Klopp particularly popularized.

However, his Old Trafford appointment, which included plans for a consultancy role that never materialized, proved ill-timed. The experienced coach lacked sufficient time to establish the methodologies that had previously brought him success and took over a roster unsuited to his approach.

5. Ryan Giggs

Matches: 4
Victory rate: 50%

During his 24th campaign, Ryan Giggs became United's first player-manager in 87 years when given temporary control for the season's final four fixtures after David Moyes' dismissal in 2013–14. His tenure began impressively against Norwich City, but suffered a setback versus Sunderland and concluded with a draw against an emerging Southampton on the final matchday.

Giggs' most memorable encounter was against Hull City at Old Trafford in early May. He embraced risk by starting with untested teenagers Tom Lawrence and James Wilson, with Wilson netting twice. Giggs also substituted himself on for the final 20 minutes, marking his 1,027th and ultimate senior appearance before officially retiring two weeks afterward.

4. Ruud van Nistelrooy

Matches: 4
Victory rate: 75%

Following the squad's disappointing 2024–25 opening, United supporters welcomed Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim manager, taking over from Erik ten Hag months after being welcomed back to Old Trafford by his fellow Dutchman.

Van Nistelrooy's playing career at United was relatively short—five seasons from 2001 to 2006—and concluded somewhat suddenly due to his wish to depart. However, time enhanced his legendary reputation and he delivered optimism and enthusiasm during his four-match tenure. Two victories against Leicester City, one triumph over PAOK and a stalemate with Chelsea.

3. Michael Carrick

Matches: 3
Victory rate: 67%

Michael Carrick transitioned directly into coaching under José Mourinho's guidance when he retired in 2018, essentially serving as co-assistant manager with Kieran McKenna. Both maintained these roles when Ole Gunnar Solskjær was subsequently appointed.

When Solskjær was relieved of duties in November 2021, Carrick unexpectedly found himself in the manager's chair. United triumphed in his debut match against Villarreal, securing Champions League knockout qualification. This was followed by a Premier League draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and an Old Trafford victory against a resurgent Arsenal.

Though lasting only three matches, the outcomes and quality of opponents made this an outstanding stint, particularly following six losses in his predecessor's final 11 encounters.

2. Jimmy Murphy

Matches: 22
Victory rate: 23%

The fact that Jimmy Murphy secured only five victories from his 22 matches as caretaker manager from February 1958 becomes irrelevant when considering the circumstances of his appointment and his remarkable achievements.

Murphy notably missed the aircraft that crashed in Munich's snow and ice due to his responsibilities as Wales national team manager. Eight players he had significantly helped develop perished in the tragedy. Two others never competed again, while the disaster also took the lives of several coaching staff, other personnel and journalists, plus severely injured manager Sir Matt Busby.

Murphy guided United into their first match following the catastrophe just 13 days later, fielding a team of emergency acquisitions and reserve players. Naturally, the team managed only one additional league victory for the remainder of 1957–58, ending their hopes of a third consecutive First Division championship. However, the Red Devils showed resilience in the FA Cup, ultimately reaching the final, with four Munich survivors—Sir Bobby Charlton, Bill Foulkes, Harry Gregg and Dennis Viollet—participating in the Wembley loss to Bolton Wanderers.

The Welshman, who died in 1989, resumed his former position the next season once Busby had recovered sufficiently to return to work and, currently, is among only six individuals honored with statues at Old Trafford.

1. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Matches: 19
Victory rate: 74%

Despite his ultimate downfall due to disappointing results in his fourth season, Ole Gunnar Solskjær accomplished much as Manchester United manager. However, it began with an exceptional record as interim boss from December 2018 to March 2019, after which he received a three-year contract—the initial plan involved his return to Molde at that first season's conclusion, essentially making him on loan at Old Trafford.

Like Giggs, Carrick and Van Nistelrooy before him, the Norwegian was a club icon and immediately connected with players and supporters through his upbeat and cheerful personality. On-field results were immediate too, with Solskjær achieving eight consecutive victories initially and ten wins in his first 11 matches.

Solskjær remained undefeated until encountering Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League two months after assuming control. Even then, United resumed domestic success and subsequently orchestrated a stunning comeback in the PSG return leg at Old Trafford to reverse the tie's outcome.