Perfect for Bruno: Man Utd may employ “ambitious” Solskjaer & Carrick contender
The struggles of Manchester United are frequently linked to Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, although even the legendary manager bears some responsibility for the issues that have followed, stemming from dubious transfer decisions in his concluding years. Reflecting on 2009, the Red Devils—well into the period of Glazer ownership—permitted Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez to leave the club. This was before new signings Gabriel Obertan, Antonio Valencia, and an aging Michael Owen arrived.
The admirable Ferguson’s influence did manage to elevate his weakened side to further success over the ensuing four years, but as Wayne Rooney has since acknowledged, the club arguably has never entirely bounced back from that juncture, with the 13-time title victor leaving behind a waning and arguably over-performing squad for fellow countryman David Moyes. Former club legend Roy Keane stated that ‘Fergie’ is “lingering like a bad smell” at Old Trafford, exercising a persistent influence that even prompted the current interim Darren Fletcher to seek his “blessing” prior to succeeding Ruben Amorim.
Currently, there are at least two of Ferguson’s past players vying for the caretaker position alongside Fletcher, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick both being potential candidates for the role.
Latest on Carrick & Solskjaer updates at Man Utd
According to various reports, INEOS has narrowed down the interim list to the ex-United stars, reaching out to two of Ferguson’s protégés.
Solskjaer is reportedly in discussions at Old Trafford about an emotional return to the club more than four years after his dismissal followed a 4-1 defeat to Watford in November 2021. It is believed Carrick—who served under the Norwegian before that dismissal—has already entered discussions with Jason Wilcox and others, currently being out of work after his exit from Middlesbrough last year.
There seems to be a possibility that both individuals could return, with Solskjaer potentially leading and Carrick taking on an assistant role again, having collaborated successfully in the past. This new establishment differs from the one that engaged and let go of Solskjaer, but hopes remain high for him to replicate his interim heroics from 2018/19, which resulted in 14 victories in just 19 matches, including that memorable night in Paris.
Solskjaer’s interim term
Stat
Record
Days in charge
99
Games
19
Wins
14
Draws
2
Losses
3
Players used
28
Points per game
2.32
Average goals scored
2.11
Average goals conceded
0.89
via Transfermarkt
A number of players from the Scandinavian’s squad remain, yet this is largely a transformed group compared to the one he departed from—could this be a detriment?
Man Utd should consider their ideal Carrick and Solskjaer alternative
A relatively new voice, similar to Carrick or Solskjaer, might be exactly what this struggling team requires, particularly as both have already earned the respect of senior figures at United, namely Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.
Some may argue that starting fresh with an outsider may be the best path, although if INEOS opts for a familiar figure, there may well be a better choice available, with Ruud van Nistelrooy also suggested for the position this week. Indeed, while opinions may vary on what Carrick or Solskjaer could accomplish with this team, Van Nistelrooy’s past performance shows what he could achieve, as he experienced a fruitful caretaker period back in 2024.
The celebrated Dutchman transitioned from a backroom position under Erik ten Hag to take charge following his compatriot’s departure, winning three of his four matches in command, while achieving a commendable draw at home against Chelsea. It is worth noting that two of those matches were against the relegation-threatened team that Van Nistelrooy would eventually manage, Leicester City, although his immediate impact was evident, orchestrating a 5-2 destruction of the Foxes in his very first outing as coach.
The squad has seen the addition of players like Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Bryan Mbeumo, but the former PSV manager has demonstrated his capabilities with this group using a back four formation, with Fernandes being a significant beneficiary.
The Portuguese playmaker had not scored under Ten Hag in the early part of that season, yet quickly ignited what would become a stellar individual campaign against Leicester, netting twice.
In total, the United captain scored four times and delivered two assists during Van Nistelrooy’s brief spell, unleashing him in his desired attacking midfield position. Naturally, both Carrick and Solskjaer would likely do the same, but with the Dutchman also rejuvenating other members of the current roster—such as Casemiro—he could well be the favored option.
A “very ambitious and very driven” coach, as noted by Ten Hag, who showcased his potential during that four-game stretch—United reportedly regrets his departure when Amorim came on board, according to Andy Mitten. Why not rehire him for the top role?
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Published: 2026-01-10 14:11:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
