Manchester United are actively exploring options to appoint a caretaker manager following the recent departure of Ruben Amorim. The club has reportedly held initial discussions with several former players, including Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, all of whom enjoyed successful spells at Old Trafford and won multiple Premier League titles.

Early Talks with Former United Legends

According to sources, Manchester United’s discussions are at a preliminary stage, with no clear frontrunner yet identified to temporarily replace Amorim for the remainder of the season. Michael Carrick is believed to be a strong contender for the role, given his previous experience and familiarity with the club’s culture.

Darren Fletcher, currently serving as interim manager, will continue in his temporary capacity until a caretaker is officially appointed. The club has signaled its intention to secure a permanent successor for Amorim during the summer transfer window.

Other Potential Candidates

In addition to Carrick, the club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, has reportedly spoken to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about returning in a caretaker capacity. Solskjaer has prior experience stepping in as interim manager at United after Jose Mourinho’s departure in 2018, before going on to manage the team full-time for three years until 2021.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, another former United striker, is also reportedly being considered. Van Nistelrooy successfully guided the team to three wins and one draw in his four-game stint as caretaker in 2024, demonstrating his potential as a short-term solution.

Full-Time Manager Candidates

While the caretaker role is being finalized, Manchester United are also assessing candidates for the full-time managerial position. Names such as Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi, now at Marseille, have been linked to the role. Glasner, who led Palace to an FA Cup victory last season, dismissed speculation about a move, stating, “I am Crystal Palace manager and it makes no sense for you to ask me any more questions about it.”

Fletcher Focuses on Burnley Clash

Speaking to the media ahead of Wednesday night’s match at Burnley, Fletcher emphasized that his current priority is the upcoming fixture. He described the experience of managing Manchester United, even temporarily, as “surreal” and “an amazing honour.”

“I didn’t think in my wildest dreams that this could happen,” Fletcher said. “Everything has happened so quickly. All my concentration and efforts are going on Burnley. Everyone expects Manchester United to be on top and winning – that’s what we have to achieve, and I will do my best in whatever role to make that happen.”

What This Means for Manchester United Fans

The club’s caretaker decision represents a critical period for Manchester United, as the team navigates a transitional phase while maintaining Premier League ambitions. Fans will be watching closely to see which former star takes the helm and how the club positions itself for a successful second half of the season.