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Ben Jacobs has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson’s preference on who should be Manchester United’s caretaker until the end of the season, as INEOS looks set to make a final decision.
Carrick vs Solskjaer
The frontrunners to take over the reins at Old Trafford are both former players under the 84-year-old Scot. of Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the two main candidates for the role.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is also being considered, although he remains a distant third in the race, while Darren Fletcher has reportedly been ruled out.
The under-18s coach has led the senior side since the sacking of Ruben Amorim last week. Officials have been impressed with his behavior but two unimpressive results – a draw against Burnley and a loss to Brighton & Hove Albion – have taken him out of the running.
Early reports suggested Solskjaer was ahead of Carrick in INEOS’ thinking. The Norwegian’s previous experience at the helm of the Red Devils would be an advantage over his rival and friend, although Carrick has filled the interim role before, albeit only for three games.
However, the club’s executive branch conducted personal interviews with both coaches this weekend. It is Carrick who emerged as their preferred option in a shock twist, with Ferguson backing the decision.
Ferguson makes his choice
Jacobs reports that Carrick, who managed Middlesbrough for almost three years after leaving United as assistant coach, gave an impressive account of himself during conversations.
| Team | By | Nasty | G | W | D | L | Win% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United (caretaker) | November 21, 2021 | December 2, 2021 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Middelsbrough | October 24, 2022 | June 4, 2025 | 136 | 63 | 24 | 49 | 46.32 |
| Career Total | — | — | 139 | 65 | 25 | 49 | 46.76 |
The talkSPORT The reporter also claims that United’s chiefs are looking for a candidate who is “new, fresh and different” – with the feeling that Solskjaer’s return would be a step backwards for the club.
Jacobs claims that “internal support” for Carrick at Old Trafford has grown, with Ferguson “in favor” of the choice.
“Carrick has gathered internal support since a strong interview… that internal support is not just coming from senior figures in the leadership team, and within the board I have been told that Alex Ferguson favors Carrick over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.”
INEOS are also said to be taking into account Carrick’s previous work under Solskjaer, who would delegate control at Carrington to his assistants, which is seen as a positive reflection of what the 44-year-old will bring to the table, and negative for the Norwegian.
United are expected to announce a final decision within the next 24 hours, with the hierarchy looking to give the new caretaker as much time as possible on the training pitch before the derby with Manchester City this weekend.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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