Manchester United enters a decisive week to define the interim coach after the elimination in Copa of Inglaterra to Brighton and places Michael Carrick as the main favorite for the position. The club plans to announce the decision within the next 48 hours to allow the chosen one to prepare the team for the derby against Manchester City, next Saturday (16), at Old Trafford, for Premier League. The 2-1 defeat at home, on Sunday (11), increased the urgency for a command solution until the end of the 2025/2026 season.
Darren Fletcher, under-18 coach and current interim coach, managed the team in the last two games after Ruben Amorim left. Apesar the good relationship with the squad, the board is looking for a name with greater experience to stabilize the group amid the sequence of results below expectations in competitions.
Darren Fletcher shares his reaction to tonight’s#FACupexit 💬
—Manchester United (@ManUtd)January 11, 2026
Carrick emerges as internal favorite
Michael Carrick has gained significant momentum in recent hours and is seen as the leading candidate for the interim role. The former midfielder has already led United in three games as an interim in 2021, obtaining positive results that left a good impression on the squad. Jogadores more experienced players highlight his calmness, in-depth knowledge of the club and communication skills.
Carrick left Middlesbrough in 2025 after years at Championship and attended recent meetings with CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. Sua’s long career as a player at United between 2006 and 2018 and his time as an assistant to Solskjaer reinforce his familiarity with the Old Trafford environment.
Solskjaer maintains chances in the dispute
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains a strong competitor and held direct conversations with the board in recent days. The Norwegian led the club between 2018 and 2021, winning Copa from Liga Inglesa and leading the team to runner-up in Premier League in the 2020/2021 season.
His passage also includes the final of Europa League and a very good initial performance as an interim after the departure of José Mourinho. Solskjaer’s staff shows confidence in the appointment, although internal support for Carrick has created a slight advantage for the former English player.
Meetings set tight schedule
Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox led the evaluation process and interviews with the two main names. The urgency of the definition is linked to the classic against Manchester City, which requires tactical preparation and immediate motivation from the squad. The derby will be broadcast live on the Disney+ premium plan.
The elimination in Copa of Inglaterra, with goals from Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck, a former player trained at the United base, exposed defensive weaknesses and accelerated internal movements. Fletcher must not remain in main command after the two interim games.
Cast demonstrates clear preference
Players on the squad follow the negotiations and indicate their preference for names they already know at home. Carrick’s long-standing relationship with the group and his history as an idol in the club weigh in the balance. Muitos veterans value their ability to keep the locker room together in delicate moments.
Solskjaer has positive memories of the achievements and previous partnership with Carrick on the bench. The final choice must balance experience, immediate connection with the cast and the ability to deliver quick results.
Preparation for the Manchester derby
The clash against Manchester City represents the first big test for the defined coach. United occupies an intermediate position in the Premier League table and is looking to recover after early eliminations in the national cups. The quick decision allows the chosen one to command training and adjust the team.
The board evaluates the tactical and emotional impacts to avoid greater instability. The club wants to convey a message of organization at a delicate time of the season.
