Solskjaer, Nistelrooy contacted as Manchester United draw up caretaker shortlist

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester United have sounded out both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick over a potential interim role as the club begin formal talks with candidates to guide the team until a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim is appointed in the summer.

This was obtained in the GMS report on Tuesday.

Carrick, currently a free agent after leaving Middlesbrough, is open to returning to Old Trafford as interim boss and has already been contacted by United.

The former midfielder, described as “insanely talented” by Danish journalist Pelle Kirchner, previously served as caretaker following Jose Mourinho’s sacking in 2018 before joining the coaching staff and later moving into management.

GMS has also reported that Solskjaer has expressed an interest in a shock return and is under strong consideration.

The Norwegian, a key member of United’s 1999 treble-winning side, managed the club from December 2018 to November 2021, winning 91 of 168 matches in charge.

Sources indicate Solskjaer remains popular with a core of the current playing squad and his comeback would be welcomed in sections of the dressing room.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, another former United striker who previously worked as an interim coach at the club, has also been discussed as part of a growing shortlist.

It remains possible that current interim Darren Fletcher, who has stepped in following Amorim’s departure, could be kept on in some capacity as United shape their short- and long-term plans.

Fletcher will oversee United’s trip to Burnley on Wednesday evening and will be supported by Jonny Evans, who has returned on a short-term basis to assist.

While caretaker options are being explored immediately, United are leaning towards appointing a permanent head coach in the summer, when more targets are expected to be available or more affordable.

Club sources suggest United ideally want a manager with Premier League experience.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is likely to make the summer shortlist, with expectations growing that he will leave Selhurst Park when his contract expires at the end of the season.

There is also strong admiration within Old Trafford for current England manager Thomas Tuchel, whose deal runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup.

Tuchel is understood to be keen on a return to the Premier League at some stage.

Marseille coach and former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is another name firmly in the frame.

Free agent Enzo Maresca, who was considered before Amorim’s appointment, has not yet been contacted again following his Chelsea exit.

The Italian has been linked with a potential return to Manchester City should Pep Guardiola leave this summer and was the subject of interest from Juventus last year, adding further competition for his signature ahead of the next managerial merry-go-round.