Manchester United is poised to expedite the selection process for a new interim head coach, with comprehensive discussions scheduled prior to a conclusive decision between Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Both former players have engaged with the club’s leadership to present their cases for the position.
Sources from Sky Sports News indicate that Carrick made a particularly strong impression during these discussions; however, there remains a recognition of Solskjaer’s significant popularity from his previous tenure as head coach.
Darren Fletcher, the current interim head coach, remarked following the 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup that he has now concluded his agreed term overseeing the first team. He is set to report to the Carrington Training Centre on Monday to clarify the club’s expectations moving forward.
On January 12, 2026, additional discussions will occur regarding Carrick and Solskjaer, with director of football Jason Wilcox at the helm of these meetings.
The club aims to resolve this matter promptly, allowing the new head coach the remainder of the week to prepare the team for the upcoming Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
With United now focusing exclusively on the Premier League following their exit from both cup competitions, the new interim head coach’s primary objective will be to secure qualification for European football next season.
Commenting on the potential return of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Sky Sports’ Gary Neville remarked, “They appointed Ryan [Giggs] a decade ago, followed by Ole, and now it seems a return to familiar faces, before cycling back to new appointments and then experienced candidates. It feels like a recurring theme, reminiscent of a film we have all seen before, akin to Groundhog Day. Nonetheless, Ole is undeniably passionate about the club and possesses a deep understanding of the role.”
The conclusion of the match against Brighton elicited a mix of boos and a palpable silence, prompting reflection on the future direction of Manchester United.
One striking statistic emerged from United’s FA Cup exit to Brighton: the team is on track for a season comprising 40 matches, marking their shortest campaign since the 1914-15 season, when the absence of cup fixtures was due to the First World War.
