‘Key reason’ why Man United did not re-appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed

Michael Carrick is set to take over

Manchester United appear set to appoint Michael Carrick as the club’s manager until the end of the season, bookending a whirlwind week at Old Trafford, that began with the departure of Ruben Amorim last Monday.

In the days since Amorim’s departure, Man United have drawn a Premier League fixture to Burnley, and crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Brighton.

The Brighton loss was especially bitter, as it meant the Red Devils will play just 40 competitive matches over the course of the 2025/26 season, their lowest total since 1915.

While Carrick is now set to take the reins at Carrington, and is expected to finally bring about a period of stability, he was not the only name put forward for the caretaker role.

The Red Devils are said to have held face-to-face talks with retired striker, and former manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, before the decision was taken to appoint Carrick.

Although Carrick appears to have performed best in the interview process, and was seen as the best overall fit for the Red Devils, Carrick’s ascendency also came about as a result of the intervention of a Man United legend.

18+ Be Gamble Aware

Per TalkSport, Sir Alex Ferguson is said to have recommended Carrick over Solskjaer.

Carrick played under the iconic Scottish coach for some 12 years, winning five Premier League titles.

Considering Ferguson also worked with Solskjaer as a player, the exact reason why Ferguson was in favour of Carrick in the Norwegian’s place is currently unclear.

Carrick has plenty of top level managerial experience, from a three-year spell with Middlesbrough, but when appointed by the Red Devils, it will be the biggest step of the Englishman’s managerial career.

With Championship side Middlesbrough, the 44-year-old was nominated for the division’s manager of the year award during just his first season in charge, after carrying Boro away from a relegation fight and into the play-off spots. The following season Middlesbrough made the EFL Cup semi-finals.