Solskjaer vs Carrick: INEOS set to break United legend’s heart after rejecting “radical proposal” to replace Amorim – report

Manchester United will be “patient” regarding their decision to appoint a caretaker until the end of the season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick the two leading candidates – but only one will be selected, according to a new report. Interim for Amorim Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher took charge of the senior side for last night’s 2-2 stalemate with Burnley, joined by Travis Binnion and Jonny Evans in the dugout at Turf Moor. The 41-year-old Scot is expected to remain in place for the FA Cup third round tie with Brighton on Sunday, with “no urgent talks today” over a permanent interim appointment. Fletcher, who Sky Sports reveals has “impressed” club officials since taking the reins from Ruben Amorim on Monday, is also in the running alongside Solskjaer and Carrick. However, it is understood the managerial experience of the latter two elevates them above the former, with a growing sense that Solsjkaer is INEOS’s favoured candidate. There was even a possibility that Carrick could re-join Solskjaer’s coaching staff, mirroring their previous dynamic in charge of United. However, Rob Dorsett has refuted this option, stating it is “increasingly unlikely” the pair will join forces once again at Old Trafford. One vs One The Sky Sports reporter reveals INEOS view Solskjaer and Carrick “both as ‘no 1s’” – meaning they are under consideration for the caretaker role alone, not in a supporting role as coach. New: increasingly unlikely Carrick and Solksjaer will be asked to work together as #mufc interim. Bosses see them both as “no 1s”. Club will be patient, with no urgent talks today – no appointment likely before Sunday’s game against #bhafc. Partly because Fletcher has impressed. — Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) January 8, 2026 Tweet: “New: increasingly unlikely Carrick and Solskjaer will be asked to work together as #mufc interim. Bosses see them both as “no 1s”. Club will be patient, with no urgent talks today – no appointment likely before Sunday’s game against #bhafc. Partly because Fletcher has impressed.” This makes sense given Carrick himself served as interim coach of United in the wake of Solskjaer’s dismissal in 2021, before going on to take the manager’s job at Middlesbrough. The 44-year-old Englishman was in charge at the Riverside Stadium for nearly three years before departing last summer. He has since been linked with West Bromwich Albion, but turned down the Baggies this week. At this stage of his managerial career, it would represent a backward step for Carrick to assume an assistant coach role, even at a club the size of the Red Devils, where the former midfielder is a legendary figure. The idea of INEOS hiring both Solskjaer and Carrick was a “radical proposal” which may have excited many, but it is a reunion which United’s rulers are now set to avoid. 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.