Michael Carrick is receiving considerable backing from within Manchester United to take on the interim manager role, with sources telling ESPN that the former midfielder is well-supported by the current squad. Carrick is reportedly in the final stages of discussions with the club, primarily focusing on potential appointments for his backroom staff.
His brother Graeme, who previously worked with Michael at Middlesbrough and for the English Football Association, is expected to join the staff if talks conclude successfully. United aim to announce an interim manager within the next 48 hours, with both Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having held discussions about the role. Sources confirmed to ESPN on Sunday evening that no final decision has yet been made. The appointed manager will succeed Darren Fletcher, who temporarily oversaw the team for two games following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal last Monday.
With CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox having met both Carrick and Solskjaer in recent days, an appointment is expected early this week to allow the new manager time to prepare for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer previously managed United from 2018 to 2021, with Carrick serving as his assistant during that period. After Solskjaer’s dismissal in November 2018, Carrick acted as interim manager for three games before moving into management at Middlesbrough, where he remained until leaving the Championship club last summer.
Sources say Carrick’s personality and coaching ability impressed senior players at United, earning him support from some of the squad. Meanwhile, sources in Norway report that Solskjaer’s camp remains hopeful of securing the role, but Carrick’s strong internal backing has given him an edge in the race for the interim position.
