Next Manchester United manager: Club close in on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Jose Mourinho sacking

United want a short-term option to take charge until the end of the season

Miguel Delaney
Tuesday 18 December 2018 16:36 EST
Comments
Jose Mourinho sacked as Manchester United manager

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United have held advanced talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to replace Jose Mourinho as manager.

The club want to appoint a stand-in for the rest of the season before the weekend, with a view to re-assess their managerial position in the summer, and a key requirement is someone who understands the club culture after the perceived divisions fostered under Mourinho.

As a club legend Solskjaer fits the mould, and it is understood the players are expected to be told he will be their next manager on Tuesday night.

Many of them at the same time feel that coach and former Michael Carrick could be a good stand-in option as he is hugely popular among the players.

The former midfielder will naturally be kept on if Solskjaer is appointed, but Mike Phelan will return to the club in an assistant role. He left when Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, and sources say that the Scot has been actively consulted throughout the process of replacing Mourinho.

If a deal is agreed, United will activate a clause in Solskjaer's contract with current club Molde.

Laurent Blanc is seen as a contender, but is understood to have had reservations about a short-term role.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in