Manchester United close in on manager decision

January 12, 2026 Oliver Obel

Manchester United’s leadership dilemma has taken on new urgency following their early elimination from both domestic cup competitions, with senior figures at the club expected to move quickly on an interim managerial appointment.

Saturday’s derby against Manchester City is a key factor. Whoever takes charge will have limited time to prepare, and executives are reluctant to lose another training week as the season reaches a pivotal stage.

Fletcher left waiting

For now, Darren Fletcher remains in temporary control, though even he has acknowledged that his status is unresolved. After a 2-2 Premier League draw at Burnley and Sunday’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat by Brighton, Fletcher said he had received no clarity from above.

“I’ve had no discussions. I have to report tomorrow morning to Carrington, that is all I know,” he said. “I have had zero indications.”

The Brighton loss confirmed United’s exit from both the FA Cup and the League Cup at the first attempt. According to the Guardian, it is the first time since the 1981–82 season that the club have suffered early eliminations in both competitions, leaving them with just 40 matches this season the fewest in a complete campaign in more than 100 years.

“That is where we are at,” Fletcher said. “We can’t hide behind that.”

Carrick edges ahead

Attention has therefore turned to who will oversee the remainder of the campaign. The Guardian reported that Michael Carrick has emerged as the leading candidate for the interim role, moving ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjær after a series of interviews.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox have held face-to-face discussions with both men at United’s Carrington training base. Carrick met club officials later in the week, with Solskjær following shortly after. No formal offer has been made, but Carrick is understood to be the preferred option as talks near a conclusion.

Solskjær, who managed United from December 2018 until November 2021, had initially been viewed as the strongest contender. The interview process, however, appears to have shifted the balance toward Carrick, a former United midfielder who has remained closely tied to the club since retiring.

Confidence fragile, stakes clear

United sit seventh in the Premier League, three points behind the fourth-place position that secures qualification for the Champions League. Fletcher admitted confidence within the squad is low but warned against writing off the season.

“You can see that the players are fragile,” he said. “Confidence is one of the most powerful things in football.”

Brighton’s win at Old Trafford was shaped by a familiar figure. Former United striker Danny Welbeck helped create the opening goal and scored the second himself. Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler praised his influence after the match.

“I think to describe him best is to say that he is a role model on the pitch [and] beside it,” Hürzeler said. “He is a great connector.”

Benjamin Šeško’s late header gave United hope, but it proved only a brief response in a week that underlined the scale of the challenge awaiting the club’s next interim leader.

Sources: The Guardian, AP