Manchester United aims to finalize their management situation for the remainder of the season by early next week, as reported by ESPN sources.
Following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim as head coach on Monday, the club has been actively searching for an interim replacement for the last five months of the campaign.
Darren Fletcher, who led the team to a 2-2 draw against Burnley on Wednesday, will again be in charge for the upcoming FA Cup match against Brighton on Sunday.
Manchester United has held discussions with several applicants, including former players Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Solskjaer is scheduled to meet in person with CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox on Saturday. Meanwhile, a meeting with Carrick has already taken place.
According to sources, Van Nistelrooy, who served as interim manager for four games last season, is still in contention, though associates indicate he feels he may be a less preferred option.
Fletcher has reportedly impressed the leadership team during his temporary tenure following Amorim’s departure, receiving praise for his proactive approach in the match against Burnley, where his team recorded 30 shots, with 10 on target.
One consideration regarding a potential appointment of Solskjaer until the end of the season is the composition of his coaching staff.
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Solskjaer served as head coach from December 2018 to November 2021, where he was regarded more as a manager than a coach, with Carrick, Mike Phelan, and Kieran McKenna assisting him on the training pitch.
When Amorim took over in November 2024, he was given the freedom to select his own staff, all of whom left with him on Monday. This left Fletcher to quickly assemble a team comprising Under-21 coaches Travis Binnion and Alan Wright, and former teammate Jonny Evans ahead of the Burnley match.
Following the FA Cup clash against Brighton, United’s next challenge will be the Manchester derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17.