PL rivals plot explosive hijack of United’s plan to appoint former Red Devil as next manager – Ben Jacobs

West Ham United look to derail Manchester United’s plan to appoint Michael Carrick as caretaker head coach. Fletcher at the helm, but only for now After parting ways with Ruben Amorim earlier this week, Darren Fletcher stepped up from United’s under‑18s to fill the void in the senior technical bench. Alongside Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion, he oversaw the 1‑1 draw with Burnley and will guide the side again versus Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup third round. Yet, as the trio hold the fort, suggestions are growing that the club is weighing up who to appoint as caretaker manager. Caretaker head coach being eyed Fletcher, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Michael Carrick have all been linked with the interim role. Of course, Solskjaer and Carrick are seen as frontrunners, and while all eyes remain fixed on who will be appointed to steady the ship at the Theatre of Dreams, a bombshell has dropped. Carrick hijack Writing in his Give Me Sport newsletter, Ben Jacobs revealed that as United continue to dilly‑dally over their caretaker appointment, West Ham could yet hijack one of their prime candidates. He explained about the London side: “Like Manchester United, West Ham could also go down a caretaker route. Slaven Bilic would be open to a short‑term return to the club, while Michael Carrick (a Manchester United caretaker target along with Ole Gunnar Solskjær) has also been considered.” West Ham turmoil Much like Amorim at Old Trafford, Nuno Espírito Santo has failed to spark a turnaround at the London Stadium. Since replacing Graham Potter, the Hammers have not improved their results, and they remain in danger of relegation. It is little surprise, then, that the board are considering a change to salvage their season. Would Carrick consider it? Carrick, before his Tottenham Hotspur and eventual United move, once played for West Ham. That history could make a return to rescue them from relegation less far‑fetched. Even so, United must act swiftly. Should they decide on Carrick, they would avoid an explosive hijack by their Premier League rivals. Featured image George Wood 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 Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.