Manchester United has initiated “early-stage informal discussions” with several potential interim managers, including Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick, after the recent dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim on Monday, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Additionally, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who temporarily managed the team for four games last season following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, is also being considered for the role.
Former United captain Wayne Rooney has not yet been approached regarding the position.
– The inside story behind Ruben Amorim’s sacking at Manchester United
The club is currently in search of its seventh permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in May 2013.
In the meantime, under-18 coach Darren Fletcher has been appointed temporarily as the team prepares for their Premier League match against Burnley on Wednesday, followed by an FA Cup third round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
As the club aims to appoint an experienced interim manager until the end of the season before securing a permanent replacement in the summer, CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have begun exploratory discussions with potential candidates.
Former manager Solskjaer, who was let go in November 2021 after a three-year stint, has engaged in informal talks with the club. He has been out of work since his departure from Besiktas last August.
– Ogden: Manchester United’s need for a superstar manager post-Amorim
– All instances of Amorim discussing his job security at Manchester United
– Amorim sacked as Manchester United manager after 14 months
Carrick, who maintained an unbeaten record during his three-game interim tenure following Solskjaer’s exit in 2021, is available after leaving Middlesbrough last summer, where he managed for nearly three years.
Sources indicate that the discussions with possible candidates are focused on gauging their interest and availability, with several options being evaluated.