Carrick Closes Gap to Solskjaer in United Interim Race as Van Nistelrooy Falls Away

Manchester United's search for an interim manager is narrowing to a two-horse race, with Michael Carrick having narrowed the gap to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, though the Norwegian remains a slight favourite for the position.

The club's succession planning accelerated following Ruben Amorim's departure on Monday morning. The Portuguese boss's tenure became untenable after his public criticism of the United board, with on-pitch performances equally unconvincing throughout his spell at Old Trafford.

Club stalwart Darren Fletcher stepped up from the academy to assume caretaker duties, and was in the hot seat for Wednesday's frustrating 2-2 stalemate with Burnley. However, INEOS appear keen to bring in an experienced interim operator before hunting for a permanent successor in the summer.

According to The Guardian, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are preparing to interview both Solskjaer and Carrick face-to-face, with these meetings expected to take place Thursday and possibly Friday. Should the Norwegian get the nod for a second stint in the dugout—his first came between December 2018 and March 2019—Carrick would reportedly consider stepping into an assistant's role.

The Daily Mail characterises the situation as a straight shootout between the pair, with Ruud van Nistelrooy effectively ruled out of contention and Fletcher merely holding an outside chance of remaining in position.

Solskjaer's financial package, should he accept the role, would reportedly comprise a weekly salary in the region of £50-60k, supplemented by a substantial £3-4m bonus contingent on United qualifying for the Champions League.

Fletcher, meanwhile, confirmed he will lead the side against Brighton in Sunday's FA Cup encounter. "They've informed me they'd like to take the team for Sunday," he told reporters following the Burnley draw. "There was a feeling that might have been the case from Monday, but we wanted to focus on Burnley. But yeah, I'm tasked with leading the team on Sunday, so all my focus and energy goes to that now."