Michael Carrick set to become Manchester United interim manager

Manchester United’s season continues to feel like it is hanging in the balance, with every week bringing new uncertainty both on and off the pitch.

The club’s struggles have not been limited to results, as confidence around Old Trafford has clearly dipped following a turbulent run of fixtures.

Pressure has mounted on the hierarchy to restore stability quickly, especially with crucial matches looming.

The mood among supporters remains tense, with patience wearing thin amid mixed performances.

Attention has now turned firmly to who will steer the team through the remainder of the campaign.

After an extensive internal interview process, Michael Carrick has emerged as the leading candidate to take charge as Manchester United’s interim manager for the rest of the season, moving ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as reported by The Guardian.

Discussions have taken place at Carrington, with Michael Carrick meeting club executives on Thursday and Solskjaer holding talks on Saturday, as the club weighs up its next move following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.

While no formal offer has yet been made, there is a growing belief within the corridors of power that Carrick now holds the edge.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are understood to be leaning towards Carrick after the face-to-face meetings, with a final decision expected imminently.

Solskjaer had initially been viewed as the frontrunner, having previously held the role on an interim basis before being appointed permanently between 2018 and 2021, but momentum has shifted.

The intention from the club’s leadership is to give the chosen candidate as much preparation time as possible ahead of the upcoming Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The situation has been further complicated by Darren Fletcher’s spell as caretaker manager, which has delivered mixed results and little clarity about his own future.

Fletcher oversaw a 2-2 Premier League draw at Burnley before suffering a damaging 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup third round, a loss that confirmed United’s exit from both domestic cup competitions at the first hurdle.

The early eliminations mean the club will play only 40 matches this season, their fewest in a full campaign for 111 years.

Reflecting on the situation after the Brighton defeat, Fletcher admitted uncertainty surrounding his position, saying: “That is where we are at. We can’t hide behind that.”

With United sitting seventh in the league on 32 points, three adrift of the Champions League qualification places, he also acknowledged the fragile state of the squad.

“You can see that the players are fragile and they need to build themselves up because it’s up to them now, they have got to respond,” he said.

As United prepare to make a defining call, the preference for Carrick signals a desire for familiarity, calm authority, and continuity during a chaotic chapter.