McManaman Backs Carrick Alone Over Solskjaer Partnership for United Hot Seat

Manchester United's search for a new permanent manager has thrown up an intriguing dilemma, with former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman weighing in on which direction the club should take.

Following Ruben Amorim's exit—despite having steered United to sixth in the Premier League—the Red Devils face a choice between two familiar faces. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has emerged as the frontrunner for an interim role, with Michael Carrick potentially slotted in as his assistant. Yet McManaman believes this pairing would be precisely the wrong move.

Speaking to TNT Sports, the former England international made his position crystal clear: "I'd be very surprised if Ole comes in with Michael. I think that's a definite no-no. It's either/or."

McManaman's logic centres on United's need for a genuine reset. Bringing Solskjaer back after the club previously paid him off to leave would invite fresh criticism and undermine any attempt to move forward. Instead, he sees Carrick—the former Middlesbrough manager—as the superior candidate to take the job solo.

"They need to clean the slate and start again, and that's Michael coming in," McManaman explained. "I think that's a better appointment."

The timing adds urgency to proceedings, with United hoping to have their new boss in place for next weekend's Manchester derby against City. However, personal commitments have complicated matters for both potential candidates.

Despite McManaman's reservations about a joint ticket, reports suggest this is precisely what's likely to materialise, with the arrangement viewed as temporary through to the summer. Whether the club will seek a permanent appointment at season's end or retain either man remains unclear for now.