Manchester United sacked Ruben Amorim on Monday. This makes it the club’s seventh managerial change since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2014. Darren Fletcher, a former United midfielder, is stepping in as interim manager for the next two games. But sources indicate a familiar face, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, is open to a surprising return as caretaker manager, despite reports calling it an “unlikely return.” It’s a real twist, isn’t it?
The club’s management, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, faces a big decision. Do they make a fast permanent appointment or wait until summer? That’s after the FIFA World Cup when more high-profile coaches might become available. For now, it seems like they’re just trying to steady the ship.
United’s Never-Ending Managerial Search
Amorim’s dismissal on Monday wasn’t a huge surprise, given United’s history. It’s just another chapter in their post-Ferguson struggle. The club hasn’t really found sustained success since 2014. And this constant changing of managers doesn’t help.
ESPN reports that United hasn’t finalized its approach yet. They’re weighing up options. Maybe they’ll wait for a “super manager” type, but that concept is fading in football anyway, according to Indian Express analysis. So, who knows what they’ll do.
Darren Fletcher’s now in charge for Wednesday’s Premier League match against Burnley and Sunday’s FA Cup tie versus Brighton. He’s a club man, a “safe pair of hands” they say. He knows the squad. That’s probably the main thing right now.
Solskjær: The Sentimental Option
The big talk is around Ole Gunnar Solskjær. He’s available, out of a job since leaving Besiktas in August. And Yahoo Sports, citing journalist Rich Fay, says he’d be interested in a caretaker role. This isn’t the first time he’s hinted at a return either.
He’s said before, “If the family [United] asks, I would say yes every day of the week.” That was in September 2024, when Erik ten Hag was still there. He feels a connection to the club, that’s for sure. He’s a hugely popular figure among the fans. Remember his player days, part of the ’99 treble team? He’s a legend.
His previous managerial stint from December 2018 to November 2021 was a mixed bag. He started as caretaker, remember? An 11-match unbeaten run got him the permanent job. He led them to a second-place finish in the 2020-21 Premier League. And he played an attacking style of football many admired. But then results dipped. The 5-0 home loss to Liverpool. That was a rough one. Defensive problems were a big issue. So he left.
What’s Next for United?
Right now, it’s Fletcher managing the next two games. Beyond that, it’s all up in the air. ESPN lists 12 candidates, Solskjær included. Others are Michael Carrick, who knows the club too, and Enzo Maresca. But no formal negotiations have been announced with anyone yet. ESPN reports the club is just taking its time.
United’s hierarchy needs to decide their direction. A quick fix now, or a full overhaul in the summer? The club’s been through so many managers. This instability is a real problem. They need to find someone to bring some peace to Old Trafford. And it all starts with Burnley on Wednesday. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.
Soureesh Datta 
Priyanjan Paul