Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to leave his role as Manchester United manager after nearly three years in charge, having initially taken over on an interim basis in 2018 following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
After two seasons of steady progression, the Old Trafford club has taken a huge step backward this campaign and currently sit with a measly 17 points after 12 Premier League games.
Journalist and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed Solskjaer’s fate as United boss earlier on Sunday, claiming that his reign at the club was ‘over’. Now, speculation over Solskjaer’s replacement is set to ramp up.
According to The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell, Darren Fletcher is set to take charge of the side for Tuesday’s Champions League game against Villarreal, with plans over the Norwegian’s long-term replacement still being drawn up.
Darren Fletcher in line to take charge of #MUFC for Villarreal, with Michael Carrick possible deputy.
Laurent Blanc touted as interim candidate. Julen Lopetegui proposed as long-term alternative.@TheAthleticUK https://t.co/8ScuKo8lAv
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) November 21, 2021
Read more: “He’s been great” – David de Gea singles out Man Utd star despite 4-1 defeat to Watford
Former Manchester United defender and Paris Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc is suggested as a possible interim solution, whilst Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui has been discussed as a long-term candidate.
Lopetegui, who eliminated Manchester United from the 2019/20 Europa League semi-final with Sevilla, is still in a job with the Spanish club and would need to be bought out of his contract.
SN’s verdict on Lopetegui…
Despite failing as manager at Real Madrid and a disastrous spell at the helm of Spain’s national team, Lopetegui is a highly rated manager in Spain and deserves another shot at one of the bigger clubs.
There are questions over whether there is a language barrier but his work with Sevilla certainly warrants links to Manchester United. After 13 games, Sevilla are top of this season’s La Liga and will be desperate to keep their man.
The manner events have played out hitherto, there is no such thing as a long term manager. Today, you may be winning matches, but when some senior high profile players performance dipped and hit high ground, they wil conveniently lay the blame on the manager. You see, they are never wrong. It’s always the manager.
Let Zidane come and see what he can add on