Ole Gunnar Solskjaer And Michael Carrick Could Return To Manchester United Together

Manchester United are once again at the centre of a managerial earthquake that could stir emotions across the Premier League and among the Red Devils faithful. Following the shock sacking of Ruben Amorim earlier this week. Old Trafford is turning back the clock, with club legends Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick emerging as the leading figures in the club’s latest attempt to steady the ship. 

Multiple sources now indicate Manchester United are considering an interim management structure involving both former stars as part of a short-term solution until the end of the season. It has been reported that Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett was told “very, very clearly” that both Solskjær and Carrick could be employed together in a new interim setup. 

A scenario that would reunite two iconic figures from United’s recent history, though questions remain about how this might practically work. This story isn’t merely a theory. Manchester United held informal talks on Tuesday with both Solskjær and Carrick. It was led by the club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, as they prepared for face-to-face meetings ahead of a decision. 

The current caretaker manager, Darren Fletcher, will lead the side in their upcoming Premier League match against Burnley, while the internal search continues. Here’s everything you need to know about this evolving saga.

The Case For Solskjaer: Emotional Return Or Risky Throwback

Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s name will always be intertwined with recent Manchester United history. He transitioned from Norwegian football icon to Old Trafford saviour in 2018, delivering one of the most heartfelt managerial stories in modern football. 

Given his track record with the club, leading United from a low point after José Mourinho’s departure to a title challenge, many supporters still hold him in high regard. After leaving United in 2021, Solskjær’s managerial ambitions led him to Turkish side Besiktas, where he lasted until mid-2025 before departing. 

Despite that somewhat underwhelming stint, his status at Old Trafford remains strong among fans. A return now, even in a temporary capacity, would be an emotional nod to the “United DNA” that many pundits and former players believe should steer the club through turbulent times. 

Critics, however, are quick to call this move a step backwards rather than a genuine progression. The narrative that bringing Solskjær back is merely a nostalgia play is gaining traction among fans online. 

Many argue that a club with United’s stature should be looking forward, not backward. Not least because his previous tenure ended with frustration and ultimately dismissal in 2021. Yet here we are again. With Solskjær reportedly keen and available, United’s leadership appears willing to seriously consider him as a stabilising interim presence. The emotional pull of a familiar face at a difficult moment cannot be underestimated.

Michael Carrick’s Rising Influence And Why United Might Trust Him

Michael Carrick’s profile as a coach and potential manager is rising. A decorated midfield maestro during his playing career, Carrick transitioned into coaching seamlessly and maintained proximity to the first team through various spells under different managers.

He briefly took interim charge of United after Solskjær’s departure in 2021, delivering two wins and a draw in three matches. Since then, Carrick took on a full managerial role at Middlesbrough, where he experienced mixed fortunes and was eventually relieved of his duties. 

Despite that setback, his understanding of Manchester United’s culture, players, and expectations remains an asset. His presence alongside Solskjær could offer a balance between tactical awareness and philosophical continuity. 

United’s current leadership might also value Carrick’s modern coaching outlook, which could align better with the evolving tactical demands of the Premier League. Pairing his analytical mindset with Solskjær’s emotional intelligence could create a dynamic coaching duo, a rare blend of sentiment and strategy. Perhaps most importantly, Carrick retains the respect of current players who have worked under him at various levels.

What This Interim Solution Means For United’s Season Ambitions

Manchester United sit sixth in the Premier League going into their next fixture, a position that could see them squeeze into a European spot depending on results and the FA Cup run. The board’s decision to bring in an interim management team indicates a desire to stabilise form and morale immediately, rather than rush a permanent appointment mid-season. 

The gamble in entrusting the role to former legends is that it sends a strong message: the club is searching for unity through familiar faces. Yet this can backfire if performances do not sharply improve. 

United’s hierarchy have made clear that a permanent manager will be appointed later. Most likely in the summer, meaning the interim appointment is high-pressure with a limited timeframe. Another layer to this conversation is how this interim phase will affect recruitment and planning for the next season’s transfer window. 

A short-term appointment without long-term guarantees might complicate strategic decisions on player contracts and summer targets. Still, alternatives like Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe are also being discussed for the long-term job, suggesting the club is keeping its options open. 

Fan And Pundit Reactions: Love, Skepticism And Pure Chaos

The reaction from Manchester United’s global fanbase has been unfiltered. On the positive side, nostalgia runs deep. Many supporters genuinely believe Solskjær’s return would bring passion and unity at a fractured club. 

Others see Carrick as the underdog, the brain over the charisma. There are calls for both to work together, a nostalgic “United family” approach to steadying troubled waters. Skeptics argue this move reflects bigger structural problems. Some fans are concerned that United’s leadership seems stuck in the past instead of plotting a future with fresh ideas. 

They fear that relying on former players may be a short-term emotional fix that fails to address deeper tactical deficiencies. The pundit class itself is divided, with some former players arguing that Fletcher, Solskjær, and Carrick together could uphold tradition and calm a fractious dressing room. Others push for external managerial talent that could bring a different vision. Regardless, the debate surrounding this decision shows just how much is at stake at Old Trafford right now.

What’s Next?

In the coming days, Manchester United is expected to hold further talks with Solskjær and Carrick before making a definitive interim decision. Comments from club leadership have been limited, but the ongoing discussions and public appetite signal this story is far from over. 

One thing is clear: Manchester United are leaning into their history in search of immediate stability. Whether that move marks a renaissance, a stopgap, or a misstep will be revealed on the pitch in the weeks to come. And in typical United fashion, drama is guaranteed.