Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is reportedly open to rejoining the club as an assistant manager.
The Red Devils have been in a state of turmoil over the past few weeks. The tension between Ruben Amorim and the club directors became palpable over the weekend, so the Portuguese manager was sacked on Monday morning after signing his own warrant with a fiery press conference following Sunday’s draw at Elland Road.
Amorim was immediately replaced by Man Utd U18 manager Darren Fletcher, who oversaw Wednesday’s 2-2 draw against Burnley, and is expected to remain in charge at least until Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Brighton.
However, the Scotsman will likely resume his duties with the U18 afterwards, making way for a more experienced head coach.
Michael Carrick ready to return to Man Utd as Solskjaer’s assistant
Man Utd are expected to hire an interim coach until the end of the season. Carrick was considered one of the main contenders at first.
However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emerged as the leading candidate for the role. The Norwegian is said to be so eager to return to Carrington that he’s not interested in negotiating contract details.
But according to The Daily Mail journalist Chris Wheeler, Solkjaer’s return wouldn’t close the door on Carrick’s. On the contrary, the Englishman will be offered a seat alongside the Norwegian.
Michael Carrick is prepared to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s No.2 if he is unsuccessful in getting the interim manager role [@ChrisWheelerDM]
— utdreport (@utdreport) January 8, 2026
The source reveals that Carrick is ready to serve as Solskjaer’s assistant once more if he isn’t offered the head coach’s role.
Solskjaer & Carrick: A deja vu arrangment
The former England international already acted as the 52-year-old’s right-hand man when the latter replaced Jose Mourinho in December 2018.
The duo worked together for three years, until Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021. Carrick acted as a caretaker for three matches, before making way for Ralf Rangnick.
The 44-year-old then had a managerial spell at Middlesbrough between October 2022 and June 2025, and he’s been unattached ever since.
Just hope they’re gonna give Mainoo and Lacey starting roles especially the latter who’s a superstar in making
Ole and Carrick again. It will be very hard to get into top 4/5 this season unless we bring in a couple of players, especially in midfield and defence. Other teams are just running through our midfield and we need mobility and strength in there. Whether it be getting players on loan or try to purchase one of the players in our plan, we just have to get someone in there.
What if they do
He stated “It will be very hard”, meaning there is a possibility but very slim
At long last, the club leadership has gotten it right. If they go for the duo, they’ll realize quick positive changes.
Man utd they need to give coaches time otherwise there is no stability in the club.Even these guys will fail this is internal problem not the coaches.
We need a new strong number 6 our mid is completely rotten and better winger playing dogu is a big mess .
Defense need a new number 5 also the current one are weak
A natural contender to fill the role everyone believes is needed,Baleba from Brighton, a hard working player who has matured into a highly rated midfielder. He is young and can still improve to the point that he will quickly become one of United’s best players .
I dont know why Carrick is in the mix because he hasnt taking the leading role tha Ole has.Ole did as well and better than most in the past decade+ and as a star with United and Fergie he has what it takes.I would prefer Fletcher as Assistant!