Solskjaer sends classy message on rivals Carrick and Van Nistelrooy amid Man Utd talks

Solskjaer, who was let go by United in 2021, has been invited back to the club, making him the only manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to receive such a gesture.

That decision came from the Glazers, not Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who did not become co-owner of the club until early 2024.

According to Andy Mitten, Solskjaer did not reach out to offer himself for the job. Instead, it was the Red Devils who contacted him.

The Norwegian also had positive things to say about his fellow candidates for the interim role. Along with Solskjaer, Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy have also been linked.

Speaking on YouTube channel United We Stand Mitten said: “I’m seeing a lot of inaccurate reports. People writing stuff on the balance of probability not knowing what the facts are.

“The facts are United have spoken to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy. No decision has been made yet.”

“I’m seeing stuff like ‘Ole offered himself.’ No he didn’t. Manchester United got in touch with him. I know exactly when it happened and Ole also spoke well of the other candidates,” he added.

“So I’d like to see some sort of combination of them together. Ole, Michael and Ruud are all good mates.”

How Solskjaer, Carrick and Van Nistelrooy stack up

All three candidates have filled in as caretaker managers before, but only Solskjaer went on to take the job permanently.

During his tenure as interim manager, ‘The Baby-Faced Assassin’ achieved a remarkable win rate of 47%. This success was built on a record of 14 wins, two draws, and only three losses across 19 matches.

Carrick’s brief stint came after Solskjaer was let go. He managed three matches, winning twice and drawing once against Chelsea.

Van Nistelrooy stepped in following Erik ten Hag’s departure, guiding United to three wins and a draw from his four games in charge.