The role played by certain United stars in ending Solskjaer’s dream return now explained – report

Manchester United are close to appointing their new caretaker manager until the end of the season. Following the FA Cup defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, Darren Fletcher’s chances at earning the role all but ended. Initially, it seemed like former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the favourite to return, but as things stand, his former assistant, Michael Carrick is expected to take over. The former midfielder’s record, both at the Red Devils and Middlesbrough, tilted the scales in his favour while the Norwegian’s ambitions did not help. What stopped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from returning Interestingly, as per The Daily Star, certain sections of the squad did not want the Treble winner to return and football director Jason Wilcox seems to have taken on board his squad’s wishes. “Carrick will be at the helm until the season’s end, marking his second spell in charge. Solskjaer was initially tipped to replace the recently sacked Ruben Amorim and had even been interviewed twice for the position. “However, the Norwegian was ruled out after several players expressed their lack of confidence in him to club chiefs, voicing their preference for Carrick to guide them through the rest of the season.” The fact that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer usually left the coaching to Carrick and Kieran Mckenna, currently in charge of Ipswich Town, meant new backroom staff would have been needed. Players who might have been against the Norwegian As for the legendary midfielder, he is open to working with Fletcher and Jonny Evans, and is trying to get Jonathan Woodgate on board. While the report does not take any names, it is unlikely that Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire might have opted against the baby-faced assassin, as both of them were signed by the legendary striker. The only player in the leadership group who might not have enjoyed playing under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is Diogo Dalot, a player the former Besiktas boss tried to move on multiple times. Carrick will have to navigate a tough initial spell, with his first assignment set to be the Manchester derby followed by huge games against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. 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 Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25