Manchester United interim coach decision nears as Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hold talks ahead of the Manchester derby

Manchester United Football Club are accelerating a decision on an interim head coach following face-to-face talks with former players Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Also read: First HoldCo board appointments strengthen governance

Senior figures at Manchester United held meetings with both candidates as the club seeks swift clarity before Saturday’s Manchester derby.

Sky Sports News reported that Michael Carrick made a strong impression during discussions, reinforcing his growing credentials within the club’s leadership.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, however, retains significant goodwill at Old Trafford following his previous spell as manager, a factor understood to be influencing deliberations.

The Manchester United interim coach decision has gained urgency after Darren Fletcher confirmed the end of his agreed short-term responsibility for the first team.

Darren Fletcher spoke after the club’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, stating that he would report to the Carrington Training Centre to discuss his next role.

That loss marked another setback in a testing campaign, with Manchester United now eliminated from both domestic cup competitions.

The Premier League remains the club’s sole competitive focus for the rest of the season, increasing pressure on the next interim appointment.

Club officials are keen to install a new coach quickly to allow adequate preparation time for the derby, viewed internally as a pivotal moment.