Manchester United hold talks with potential replacements including former manager after Ruben Amorim sacking: Report

Manchester United have begun the search for a new manager after sacking head coach Ruben Amorim earlier this week, with reports claiming the club has already held informal talks with a few big names.

According to ESPN, United have had early-stage discussions with several potential interim managers, including former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and ex-player Michael Carrick. The talks are said to be exploratory in nature, aimed at checking interest and availability rather than finalising any appointment.

Solskjaer, Carrick emerge as potential replacements

Solskjaer, who managed Manchester United for three years before being sacked in November 2021, is currently without a job after leaving Turkish club Besiktas in August. His name has once again come up as United look for an experienced option to steady the ship until the end of the season.

Michael Carrick is also among the candidates. The former United midfielder had a brief but unbeaten three-match spell as interim manager in 2021 after Solskjaer’s exit. Carrick is currently available after leaving Middlesbrough last summer, where he spent nearly three years as head coach.

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The report further stated that Ruud van Nistelrooy is also being considered for a possible role. The former United striker previously had a short interim spell in charge last season between the sacking of Erik ten Hag and the appointment of Amorim.

United are now looking for their seventh permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Meanwhile, former midfielder Darren Fletcher has been handed the charge for now. Fletcher, who currently coaches the club’s under-18 side, will lead the team in Wednesday’s Premier League match against Burnley and Sunday’s FA Cup third-round clash against Brighton.

The club hierarchy is believed to prefer appointing an experienced interim manager until the end of the season. A permanent appointment is expected only after the end of the 2025-26 Premier League season. United are currently sixth in the table and looking to secure a Champions League spot.