Van Nistelrooy excluded as Carrick and Solskjaer emerge as frontrunners
Manchester United have decided against handing Ruud van Nistelrooy the interim manager role until the end of the season. The club legend, who recently managed a few games after Erik ten Hag’s exit, is no longer in contention. Instead, the race has become a direct battle between Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick. Senior executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox held talks with both candidates on Tuesday and plan further discussions before making a final choice.
Experience from past interim roles weighs in decision
Both Solskjaer and Carrick have previously stepped in during transitional periods at Old Trafford. Solskjaer took over in 2018 following Jose Mourinho’s dismissal and started with eight consecutive wins, earning a permanent contract shortly after. Carrick briefly led the team for three matches in 2021 after Solskjaer’s departure, before Ralf Rangnick arrived. Carrick later built his managerial record at Middlesbrough over two and a half seasons, while Solskjaer has the most extensive experience, including two spells at Molde, a season with Cardiff, and a recent stint at Besiktas. Current caretaker Darren Fletcher will handle upcoming games against Burnley and Brighton, with the new interim likely starting ahead of the Manchester derby.
