MANCHESTER UNITED are unlikely to pair Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick for the interim job.
The club are set to meet with both former Red Devils who are front-runners to replace Ruben Amorim until the end of the season.
It had been thought the two could work together – with Carrick previously on Solskjaer’s staff when the Norwegian replaced Jose Mourinho in December 2018.
But SunSport understands that scenario is now doubtful, with it increasingly likely one or the other will take over from caretaker coach Darren Fletcher.
Both Carrick and Solskjaer have had personal natters this week which have delayed progress, but it’s thought United’s bosses are in no rush to make a final decision.
United parted ways with Ruben Amorim on Monday, bringing to an end the Portuguese’s 14-month tenure in charge at Old Trafford.
Fletcher confirmed after the 2-2 draw with Burnley that he will take charge of United’s third round FA Cup tie against Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United chiefs have been impressed with Fletcher, both in terms of how he has conducted himself in media duties, and around Carrington.
He has worked one on one with Benjamin Sesko, showing the striker videos of his movement and how to improve his runs.
The FA Cup is United’s last chance to win silverware this season, with all eyes on securing Champions League football next term.
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It could now be a straight choice between Carrick and Solskjaer, with one man asked to take charge for the final 17 Premier League matches of the campaign, and any more FA Cup games.
Van Nistelrooy, the legendary United striker, is also believed to be a contender for the long-term interim role.
The Dutchman previously bridged the gap when Erik Ten Hag was sacked in October 2024 before Amorim took charge the following month.
Van Nistelrooy was appointed as an assistant coach to Ten Hag in the summer of 2024, joining as part of a coaching staff refresh.
United plan on naming a permanent successor for Amorim in the summer
The Dutchman took charge of Leicester City from November 2024 to June 2025, when the Foxes were relegated from the Prem.
Carrick has been out of work since he was sacked by Championship club Middlesborough last June after two-and-a-half years in charge.
Solskjaer was sacked by Turkish club Besiktas after eight months in August.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi – now at Marseille – are understood to be early contenders for the full-time job.
Several managers in Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti, Marco Silva and Didier Deschamps all become free agents in the summer.
