Insider: Former Man Utd head coach could take over from Fletcher until June

Newly-appointed Manchester United caretaker coach Darren Fletcher might not remain with the first team until the end of the season, as he could be replaced by his former teammate, Michael Carrick.On Monday morning, the Premier League giants decided to put an end to Ruben Amorim’s tumultuous 14 months in charge.The Portuguese manager explicitly voiced his frustration at the hierarchy in his post-match press conference following Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road, and it proved to be the final straw.Darren Fletcher temporarily replaces Ruben Amorim at Man UnitedAfter sacking Amorim, Man Utd officials decided to replace him with Fletcher, who will serve as a caretaker.The 41-year-old made for a natural choice, as he knows the club inside out. The Scotsman spent the bulk of his playing career at Old Trafford, and was a technical collaborator of successive Man Utd managers, namely Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and last but not least, Amorim.(Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)Last summer, Fletcher was appointed Man Utd’s U18 head coach, while his twins, Jack and Tyler, are now involved with the first team at the tender age of 18.But while the consensus is that the Dalkeith native will either serve until June or be replaced by a permanent manager, Carrington insider Sully reveals a third option.In an update posted on his X account, the reputable journalist claimed that United could opt to bring another interim manager until the end of the season, before appointing a permanent boss in the summer. Darren Fletcher has took over first team training duties today at Carrington and expected to do so for this week. It’s not known yet for how long he will lead these roles. Internal meetings will take place in the coming days and weeks to assess all options but I understand the… pic.twitter.com/VC1HhB9VH9 — Sully (@SullyTalkz) January 5, 2026This would allow Fletcher to resume his duties with the U18 side. The source identifies Carrick as the main candidate for the role.Why United are considering Michael Carrick?Like Fletcher, the Englishman is a former Man Utd midfielder who has also taken on coaching duties at Carrington following his retirement.The 44-year-old served as Solskjaer’s assistant for more than three years, and then took over as caretaker for three matches when the Norwegian was sacked, prior to the arrival of Ralf Rangnick. Hence, this wouldn’t be a particularly new assignment for the former England international.Carrick is also considered a more experienced profile than Fletcher, having also served as Middlesbrough’s head coach for almost three years, before leaving the club last summer.The former Wallsend is currently unattached, so perhaps he would fancy a return to Old Trafford, albeit on a short-term contract.