INEOS identify four United legends to replace Amorim, but the dressing room has already picked their favourite – report

Manchester United have identified a list of targets to take over as caretaker manager – with the Red Devils’ squad understood to be supportive of one candidate in particular. A Safe Pair of Hands Darren Fletcher – currently manager of the Under-18’s – will take charge of the Red Devils in Ruben Amorim’s place after the Portuguese coach was dismissed on Monday morning. But the 41-year-old Scot is a temporary appointment before a permanent interim is sourced until the end of the season. United travel to Burnley tomorrow night in the Premier League before an FA Cup third round clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Sunday. Fletcher, along with U-21’s manager Travis Binnion and the recently returned Jonny Evans, will oversee the senior side for both matches. However, should the former midfielder impress in this brief cameo in the dug out, he may be well end up assuming the caretaker role full time as he is one of the names included on INEOS’s list. The Guardian reveals Fletcher, along with Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer and Michael Carrick, are the three candidates under consideration to steady the ship until the summer. But the Daily Mail contends Ruud van Nistelrooy – who fulfilled the same role in the wake of Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in late 2024 – is another possibility. United Dressing Room Reacts The Guardian states sporting director Jason Wilcox considers Solsjkaer a “prime candidate”, owing to his previous experience as permanent manager. “[Solsjkaer’s] strong pedigree makes him a serious option for Wilcox and Omar Berrada, the chief executive, who view him as being able to affect results positively and restore a feelgood factor.” The Norwegian, who was sacked by Besiktas in August, is understood to be “open to taking up the position” after recently moving to Cheshire, less than 30 miles from Manchester. https://x.com/mufcmpb/status/2008556909377560912?s=46 Carrick, who, like Van Nistelrooy and Solsjkaer, also has previous experience as United’s interim boss, is said to be similarly open to the opportunity, having been dismissed as Middlesbrough manager last summer. Well-placed sources revealed to the Daily Mail that there is “no outright favourite at this stage”, however. The performances Fletcher is able to generate this week will undoubtedly play a role in the club’s final decision as well. Interestingly, talkSPORT contends Solsjkaer’s return “would be welcomed” by the United dressing room, led by Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire, adding another layer of complexity for INEOS to contend with. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.