Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are reportedly the leading candidates to take over as interim manager of Manchester United until the end of the 2025-2026 season. Both Solskjaer, 52, and Carrick, 44, are currently available and have previous experience with the club, either as managers or coaching staff, making them strong contenders for the temporary role.

Solskjaer, a former Norway striker, is reportedly open to a second spell at Old Trafford, even if temporary. He previously served as interim manager for Man Utd in December 2018 after Jose Mourinho's dismissal. Following an impressive start, he was appointed permanently, leading the team until November 2021 before stepping down without securing any major titles. On 5/1, Solskjaer was seen in a Cheshire supermarket, near his Greater Manchester home, signaling his readiness to return to the club where he played and managed. After leaving Man Utd, Solskjaer had a seven-month stint managing Besiktas in Turkey, though without significant success.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (left) and Michael Carrick during their time as manager and assistant at Man Utd from 2018-2021. Photo: Reuters

Michael Carrick, a former midfielder, is also being considered for the interim role. The 44-year-old served as Solskjaer's assistant from 2018 to 2021. After Solskjaer's sacking, Carrick stepped in as interim manager, overseeing three matches with a record of two wins and one draw. He then handed over the temporary position to Ralf Rangnick for the remainder of the 2021-2022 season. During his playing career with Man Utd, Carrick won five Premier League titles and one Champions League. He was dismissed by Middlesbrough in June 2025 after failing to guide the team to the Premier League. According to the English newspaper Telegraph, one of these two managers is highly likely to lead Man Utd until the end of the 2025-2026 season.

While awaiting a decision on the interim manager, Darren Fletcher, the Man Utd under-18s coach, has been assigned temporary charge of the first team for the match against Burnley at Turf Moor on the evening of 7/1. This role mirrors Carrick's temporary appointment four years ago. Former center-back Jonny Evans has also returned to Man Utd to assist Fletcher. Additionally, Travis Binnion, the under-21s coach, participated in Man Utd's training session on 6/1. Binnion, Fletcher, and Evans will be on the touchline for Man Utd at Turf Moor.

The club's leadership aims to appoint a permanent manager in the summer of 2026, as they are reportedly targeting Oliver Glasner from Crystal Palace. The Austrian coach's contract with Palace expires at the end of this season. Man Utd also requires time to evaluate other candidates for the long-term role.