Solskjaer Emerges as Clear Favourite for Man Utd Interim Role as Appointment Expected Within Days

Manchester United are edging towards appointing an interim manager to navigate the remainder of the season, with sources suggesting an announcement could arrive within days of this weekend's fixtures.

Amorim's departure on Monday morning brought an end to a disappointing 14-month spell at Old Trafford, during which the Portuguese tactician faced mounting criticism over both results and his reluctance to adapt his tactical approach. The club hierarchy ultimately decided a parting of ways was unavoidable.

Rather than rush into a permanent appointment, United have opted for a measured approach. An interim figure will steady the ship until summer, when the club will conduct a thorough search for a long-term successor. Darren Fletcher currently holds the reins, but his tenure looks set to be brief.

The race for the interim post has narrowed to two contenders with deep roots at the club. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are locked in what insiders describe as a two-way battle, with both men boasting prior experience in caretaker roles at Old Trafford. Solskjaer previously stepped in before securing the job permanently, whilst Carrick deputised following Jose Mourinho's exit.

According to reporting, Solskjaer has emerged as the frontrunner. Football Insider sources indicate the deal is edging closer, with the Norwegian regarded as the clear favourite to take charge through to the campaign's end.

"The big news of the weekend was Ruben Amorim leaving Manchester United," Football Insider reporter Pete O'Rourke explained. "It looks like it's a two-horse race between Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick for that role. Obviously, Solskjaer has done it before when he was interim manager before getting the job on a permanent basis."

He continued: "Carrick's been interim manager before for a few games, he stepped in for Jose Mourinho when he left his role at Old Trafford, so two men with Man United connections. It does seem that Solskjaer is the front-runner at the moment, he is the clear favourite to get that job until the end of the season when they will look to bring in a new manager."

O'Rourke suggested the club's measured approach reflects lessons learned from past managerial missteps. "They're giving themselves a bit of time to make the right decision this time because they've got it wrong on so many other occasions in finding a new manager to turn things around."