Carrick Emerges as Clear Frontrunner for Manchester United Interim Role

Michael Carrick has leapfrogged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to become the leading candidate for Manchester United's interim manager position, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils dispensed with Ruben Amorim earlier this month following a breakdown with director of football Jason Wilcox over tactical matters and the January transfer window strategy. Darren Fletcher has been holding the fort since Amorim's departure, overseeing a 2-2 draw at Burnley and a 2-1 FA Cup exit against Brighton.

United's hierarchy has opted to bring in a temporary boss to shepherd the club through until the summer, when they will pursue a permanent successor to Amorim. Solskjaer had initially been the bookmakers' favourite for the interim gig, with the former striker making himself available through his representatives as soon as Amorim departed.

However, Romano reports that Carrick's stock has risen dramatically following intensive discussions with the United hierarchy. "In the last 12 hours, Michael Carrick has made important progress in talks with Manchester United after a face-to-face interview," Romano stated on his YouTube channel. "The meeting between Manchester United management and Michael Carrick was very positive in terms of ideas, tactics, communication and intention. The feeling was really good, and as of tonight Carrick is becoming the leading option for the interim job."

Solskjaer remains very much in the picture, having impressed in his own meeting with club officials. "Ole Gunnar Solskjaer immediately made himself available via his agents after Ruben Amorim was sacked," Romano continued. "Manchester United had a meeting with Solskjaer and it was a good one. He is ready to help the club and very excited about the opportunity. For Solskjaer it has never been about money or contract terms. He would be absolutely ready to return to Manchester United, but in the last 24 hours the Carrick option has clearly advanced."

Fletcher's caretaker spell appears to have run its course. Despite the United training ground staff being broadly satisfied with his methods, the Brighton capitulation in the FA Cup proved decisive. "Manchester United were quite happy with Darren Fletcher's methods in training," Romano explained. "But the Brighton game was always going to be decisive. After a poor performance against Brighton and elimination from the FA Cup, the club decided to accelerate talks for a different interim manager. Fletcher was never the favourite, and after that game his chances were effectively over."

The club's recruitment process for a permanent manager will proceed in tandem with the interim appointment. United intends to compile a shortlist of two or three candidates and commence formal discussions with potential targets and their representatives. Even if Carrick performs admirably in the interim role, the search for a long-term solution will continue unabated.

"Even if the interim manager does a very good job, United will not stop this process," Romano noted. "If it is Michael Carrick and he performs well, he will obviously have a chance, but the club will still work in parallel on a permanent solution."

An official announcement is anticipated imminently. "The understanding from sources close to Manchester United is that an official announcement is expected very soon. Possibly within 24 to 48 hours," Romano concluded. "Carrick is ready to say yes, Solskjaer is waiting, and financially it will not be a problem. At this stage it is a club decision, but Michael Carrick is now the favourite to become Manchester United's interim manager."