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Former Manchester United player and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has disclosed that while he did hold discussions about a potential return to the club as interim manager, "there were no negotiations," and he is not currently pursuing the possible vacancy.
Solskjær managed Manchester United for nearly three years between 2018 and 2021. Originally brought in as caretaker following José Mourinho's exit, the Norwegian guided United to third and second place finishes across his two full seasons in charge but never mounted a serious Premier League title challenge.
Everything unraveled in 2021–22, however, when a dismal stretch of form and results ultimately cost Solskjær his position. Five years on, he emerged as the frontrunner to step in after the Red Devils parted company with Ruben Amorim, yet Solskjær recently conceded that despite meeting with United's leadership, he was never truly close to embarking on a second stint in the Old Trafford dugout.
"I had a good conversation with Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada," Solskjær told Norwegian outlet TV2. "We didn't discuss contract length or anything along those lines. I offered to step in if necessary, and I made no demands. I shared my views on what the club needs to move forward. We had one brief conversation. There were no negotiations."
What followed is widely known. The role instead went to his former teammate and assistant coach Michael Carrick, and the interim label was dropped from his title after an impressive finish to the 2025–26 Premier League season. Now, however, Carrick finds himself under enormous pressure, with many viewing his dismissal as a question of when rather than if.
Solskjaer Gives His Carrick Sack Verdict
Carrick is struggling at Man United following three consecutive defeats and nine straight games without a victory. While Carrick has so far kept his job and is expected to remain in charge for at least one more fixture, his position has become increasingly difficult to defend.
Solskjær, however, sees things differently. The Norwegian backed Carrick's appointment in January and continues to believe he has the qualities needed to lead the Red Devils back to success.
"Michael has what it takes to move that club forward," Solskjær said. "I think he's the right man. He understands the club, understands the fans, and knows what's needed. You don't always see that 'devil' in him. But it's there, and I have it too. We are incredibly similar.
"Perhaps not many people thought I would become a football manager, let alone the manager of Manchester United. Many probably thought the same about Michael Carrick. When I spoke with United, I also spoke highly of Michael. 'If you choose him, you're getting a good man,' I said. I believe he did the same for me. Neither of us was desperate for the job. But we'd likely step up if asked."
Yet with United mired in a 38-year low, Carrick's time at the Old Trafford dugout appears to be running out.
Solskjaer's 'Unfinished Business' at Man Utd
With Carrick facing mounting pressure, the Red Devils are reportedly drawing up a shortlist of potential successors to replace the former midfielder.
Several candidates rank ahead of Solskjær in the line to replace Carrick. Nevertheless, the Norwegian admitted he has no desire to put himself forward right now—seemingly out of loyalty to Carrick—while also acknowledging that he feels he left some unfinished business at Man Utd.
"There were some wonderful moments, but everything has its time," Solskjær reflected on his spell in charge. "I do miss it, yes. I could have imagined staying there forever, but life moves on. It was a very special period in many ways. Going back to the past isn't always the right move.
"Yes, I would have stepped in [in January], but I didn't intend for it to extend beyond the summer. It was probably time for someone else to have a turn. I also feel like I have some unfinished business. Naturally, it would have been exciting to have the chance again."
In Solskjær's ideal scenario, he would take over from Carrick for a brief interim spell in 10 years' time once Carrick decided to step down.
The Norwegian can dream, but right now there is every chance Carrick won't last 10 more days as United manager, let alone 10 years.