Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has emerged as a leading contender to become Manchester United’s interim head coach until the end of the season and make an emotional return to Old Trafford.
Solskjaer is high on a list of potential replacements for Ruben Amorim that features three other ex-United players – Michael Carrick, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Darren Fletcher.
United are understood to have held talks with Solskjaer and Carrick on Tuesday, while Fletcher was preparing to take charge of Wednesday’s game at Burnley in his role as caretaker boss.
Solskjaer, whose success as a temporary replacement for Jose Mourinho in December 2018 led to him landing the job on a permanent basis for almost another three years, was pictured shopping near his home in Cheshire.
Sources close to the 52-year-old Norwegian were staying tight-lipped on Tuesday, while United insiders stressed they are still considering a number of options. Carrick, in particular, is being given serious consideration.
Solskjaer is revered for a United career that included his unforgettable winning goal to win the Champions League final in the 1999 Treble season. It’s hoped that he would be able to able to galvanise the club following Amorim’s turbulent 14-month reign if United turn to him for a second time.
However, it’s unlikely there would be an opportunity to stay longer this time with the club planning on making a permanent appointment in the summer.
Carrick previously stepped in as caretaker for three games after Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021, while Van Nistelrooy had four games in charge when United axed Erik ten Hag in October 2024.
Fletcher will hope to stake his claim to the job on Wednesday when he will be in the dugout at Turf Moor. The 41-year-old Scot admitted that taking charge of United is ‘beyond his wildest dreams’, but said he will leave any talks over his long-term future with director of football Jason Wilcox until after the game.
‘I’ve had a conversation and the focus was on this game,’ he added. ‘I’ve got a game to prepare for, a training session to organise, and I’ve been speaking to the players. The focus has been on the Burnley match and we’ll speak after the game.’
Fletcher will be assisted by Under-21s coaches Travis Binnion and Alan Wright, as well as Jonny Evans who has returned to the club after leaving his post as loan manager in December.
