Michael Carrick has again been linked with a return to Old Trafford, this time in the midst of growing speculation that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be brought back to Manchester United. And now, some insiders have come forward with their views on the situation.
The former Manchester United midfielder has been out of work since his departure from Middlesbrough last summer, where he was let go after a short spell in charge.
Carrick had joined Middlesbrough in 2022, following his brief stint as caretaker manager at Manchester United that wrapped up in late 2021. During that caretaker spell, he led United through three matches before Ralf Rangnick took over as interim boss for the rest of the season.
Solskjaer’s dismissal had left a void that Rangnick filled temporarily before Erik ten Hag was brought in as the long-term replacement. Now, with Solskjaer again being mentioned as a possible candidate to return, questions about Carrick’s future have resurfaced too.
Michael Carrick named as a serious candidate alongside Solskjaer after Amorim’s sacking
Michael Carrick was part of the backroom team during both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho’s spells in charge at Old Trafford.
The ex-Middlesbrough boss is now being mentioned as a possibility to take over as interim manager, with United looking for someone to guide them through the rest of the season.
There has also been talk about Solskjaer himself potentially stepping back into the role on a short-term basis, covering until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
BBC Sport reports that both Carrick and Solskjaer are among those being considered, though things are still at an early stage with no decisions made yet.
The outlet also noted that Carrick is seen as a genuine option for United, even if Solskjaer remains the frontrunner at this point.
Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aren’t the only names in the frame for the interim job at Man Utd
Darren Fletcher will be in charge when United head to Turf Moor on Wednesday night, following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal earlier this week.
Amorim’s 14-month spell at Old Trafford ended abruptly, with Fletcher stepping into a caretaker role while the club sorts out its next move.
Fletcher is not expected to hold the role permanently, as United are still searching for a long-term replacement ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
Meanwhile, BBC Sport has reported that Fletcher has already had initial discussions with United about taking over as interim boss until the end of this campaign, joining Carrick and Solskjaer on their shortlist. The 41-year-old remains a central figure behind the scenes at Old Trafford and is currently managing the Manchester United Under-18s side.
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