Ole Gunnar Solskjaer open to Manchester United caretaker return if Michael Carrick steps down

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he would not turn down the chance to return to Manchester United as caretaker manager if Michael Carrick were to resign and the club asked him to take charge for two months.

Solskjaer managed United from March 2019 until November 2021, overseeing 149 matches during his time at the club. His side won 78 of those games, drew 33 and suffered 38 defeats.

Asked by Norwegian broadcaster TV 2 Sport whether he would consider returning to Old Trafford, Solskjaer said: “If Carrick decides to resign and they ask me to take charge of the team temporarily for two months, of course I would not refuse.”

The former Norway international added that Manchester United remained close to him, although he insisted a return was not something he was actively considering.

“I was at that club for 19 years, so it is part of the family,” he said. “But it is not something I am thinking about.”

Solskjaer has not managed a club other than Besiktas since leaving Manchester United four years ago. His time with the Turkish side lasted only eight months before he departed.

Solskjaer backs Carrick

Solskjaer also revealed the message he gave Manchester United’s hierarchy before Carrick was appointed. He believes the former United midfielder has the qualities required to lead the club.

“Michael has all the qualities needed to take this club forward,” said Solskjaer. “I think he is the right man. He understands the club, he understands the fans and he knows what is required.”

He also drew comparisons between himself and Carrick, suggesting that neither manager had been widely expected to move into coaching.

“We are incredibly similar,” Solskjaer said. “Perhaps many people did not expect me to become a football manager, and perhaps many thought the same about Carrick.”

Carrick took charge of Manchester United in January 2026, replacing Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim, who left his position after a decline in the team’s results.

United are currently 17th in the Premier League table with seven points.