Man Utd ‘draw up three-man shortlist’ for interim manager with Solskjaer in prime position | Football | Sport
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly a leading candidate to manage Manchester United on an interim basis following Ruben Amorim‘s sacking. The former Red Devils striker was in the dugout between 2018 and 2021, leading the club to successive top-three Premier League finishes. He also reached the Europa League final in 2021, where United lost on penalties to Villarreal.
Solskjaer initially replaced Jose Mourinho in a caretaker capacity and oversaw a resurgence that led to him earning the job on a permanent basis. His strong pedigree has made him a serious option for the Red Devils when it comes to replacing Amorim until the end of the season, according to The Guardian.
The report states that Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada view Solskjaer as a ‘prime candidate’ for the interim role. He remains a fan favourite and United chiefs believe his return would bring about a feel-good factor.
Solskjaer is currently out of work after being sacked by Besiktas in August. He joined the Turkish giants last January in what was his first management job since leaving United.
Some senior players, including the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire, would reportedly welcome Solskjaer’s appointment until the end of the season. He is also believed to be keen on the idea of a second spell in charge.
He is not the only candidate, though, with United having drawn up a three-man shortlist which also includes Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher, who will take charge in their upcoming game against Burnley.
Carrick was caretaker manager at United for three games in late 2021, winning two and drawing the other. He is also thought to be open to the idea of returning to Old Trafford, having been out of work since he was axed by Middlesbrough in June.
Fletcher is another candidate to manage the Red Devils until the end of the season, but much will depend on how he performs during his initial caretaker spell in charge.
United are not expected to appoint Amorim’s permanent successor until the summer, giving them plenty of time to land on the right person for the job.
Gary Neville has already urged his old club to find a manager who will play ‘the United way’, insisting the experiments have got to stop.
He told Sky Sports: “Louis van Gaal had his own philosophy. Jose Mourinho plays a certain style of football. So does David Moyes. Erik ten Hag, again, a very different style of football, different to what United ordinarily would play.
“Ruben Amorim, a very different style of football than United would ordinarily expect. These experiments have got to stop.
“There is a very good video online [where United legend] Bobby Charlton talks about what United is as a football club. Adventurous, exciting football, playing young players, entertaining the crowd.
“United have got to appoint a manager that fits the DNA of their club. Ajax will never change for anybody, Barcelona will never change for anybody. I don’t believe United should change for anybody.”
