The future interim manager of Manchester United may see a surprising change as Michael Carrick has moved ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was previously viewed as the leading candidate, following the board's inclination toward the former midfielder.
On 12 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Manchester United is preparing to announce its decision on the interim manager position within this week after parting ways with Rúben Amorim due to disappointing results—only 3 wins in 10 matches—while Darren Fletcher has been appointed as temporary caretaker.
The list of candidates includes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and even Fletcher himself. Previously, Solskjaer was considered the top contender with Carrick possibly joining as assistant.
However, The Guardian reports that Michael Carrick has emerged as the frontrunner after an impressively positive meeting with the INEOS executive group.
"Michael Carrick has become the number one candidate for Manchester United's interim manager position through the end of the season after interviews, with the board expected to finalize their decision this Monday."
Reports also state that although no formal offer has yet been made by CEO Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox, both sides are leaning toward Carrick following their meeting with him at Carrington last Thursday, while Solskjaer met with them on Saturday.
Originally, Solskjaer was seen as the primary choice due to his experience as interim manager at the end of 2018 before being appointed permanently, but the latest developments clearly show Carrick "surpassing" him.
Manchester United's board wants the new interim manager to have enough time to communicate his ideas to the players before the Manchester derby against Manchester City on Saturday, 17 January 2026.
Michael Carrick's Coaching Background
Carrick began his coaching career at Manchester United immediately after retiring in 2018, working under José Mourinho and remaining through Solskjaer's era before briefly taking over as interim manager after Solskjaer's dismissal.
He left Old Trafford when Ralf Rangnick took charge and began his full-time managerial role at Middlesbrough in October 2022, departing the club in June 2025.
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