Manchester United has been thrown into turmoil this week with the sacking of Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager was at the helm of Manchester United for just 14 months, and departs the club in the middle of the season, leaving the club scrambling for a replacement.
United have, for the time being, appointed under 18's manager Darren Fletcher as a caretaker head coach. The Scotsman lacks any first-team managerial experience, and is unlikely to remain as Man United boss for long.
Fletcher will take charge of United's game against Burnley, but United will likely attempt to appoint a semi-permanent interim head coach. With games against Manchester City and Arsenal coming in the next couple of weeks, a new coach can't come in soon enough.
The Red Devils are reportedly interested in a variety of managers, including Oliver Glasner, Roberto De Zerbi and Andoni Iraola, but Oliver Glasner's quashing of rumours in a recent press conference shows that United will almost certainly not get their dream man before the end of the season.
Several names have been linked to the interim head coach role since Amorim's departure. Michael Carrick, currently out of work after his sacking from Middlesborough, is a genuine option, who has acted as interim head coach at the club before. But another name has made the most noise in the fanbase, and has now been linked to the job by Fabrizio Romano.
Rumours are swirling, now confirmed by Romano, that United are advancing in talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjær for the role of caretaker manager. Romano confirmed on Tuesday night that Solskjær is willing to make a return to Old Trafford, and would be willing to only return as caretaker until a suitable alternative is found in the summer.
🚨 Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Manchester United advance in positive talks over caretaker manager role.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 6, 2026
As revealed yesterday, Ole wants the job and he’s a serious candidate with talks well underway.
No issues on contract lenght. Ole is ready to say YES.
Up to #MUFC. pic.twitter.com/jjsJQgbf8i
Solskjær is a fan favourite at Old Trafford, both as a player and manager. As a player, he gained popularity as a super sub, playing a crucial role for United under Sir Alex Ferguson. His stand-out moment came when he scored the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final, a stoppage time winner that captured the treble for Manchester United.
Solskjær also oversaw one of United's most positive periods in the post-Fergie era as manager, achieving a 2nd place finish in the 2020-21 season, and playing some of the most exciting and free-flowing football Old Trafford had seen in a decade.
Solskjær was eventually relieved of his duties in November 2021, with many pointing to the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo as the killing blow to his authority as manager. He remained a well-liked figure around Old Trafford, and parted with the club on good terms.
Solskjær's reappointment has caused a fair deal of excitement on social media. Ole's team never won a trophy, but the atmosphere around the club in that period was incredibly positive. Many United fans will be hoping for a return to the good vibes of the Ole era; we could really do with some right now.