Manchester United’s managerial carousel took another dramatic turn this week as reports surfaced of official talks between the club and former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær for the interim head coach role. The Norwegian, who managed the Red Devils from 2018 to 2021, is said to be eager to return, with no hurdles on contract length or salary standing in the way. Sources close to the negotiations indicate Solskjær has already given his enthusiastic “yes” to any proposal from the club, positioning him as the frontrunner in a search that also includes ex-United midfielder Michael Carrick. This development comes just days after the shock sacking of Ruben Amorim on January 5, 2026, leaving the team in disarray and fans divided over whether a familiar face can steady the ship or if it’s a step backward for a club desperate for progress.

The news broke amid a flurry of speculation following Amorim’s dismissal after a dismal run that saw United slip to 12th in the Premier League table by early January. Appointed in November 2024 following Erik ten Hag’s exit, the Portuguese tactician arrived from Sporting CP with high expectations, having won two Primeira Liga titles. However, his tenure unraveled quickly. A string of poor results, including a humiliating 4-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on December 26, 2025, and a goalless draw against relegation-threatened Ipswich Town, sealed his fate. United’s board, led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group, cited a lack of tactical cohesion and failure to integrate new signings as key reasons for the move. In a statement released via the club’s website, Ratcliffe emphasized the need for “immediate stability” while pledging a thorough search for a long-term replacement.

Solskjær’s potential return has sparked intense debate. During his previous stint, the 52-year-old former striker delivered memorable highs, including a second-place Premier League finish in 2020-21 and a run to the Europa League final. He oversaw 168 games, winning 91 for a 54% win rate, and was credited with restoring club morale after José Mourinho’s acrimonious departure. Icons like Cristiano Ronaldo thrived under him, and young talents such as Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford flourished. Yet, critics point to his inability to win major silverware and defensive frailties that led to heavy defeats, like the 5-0 thrashing by Liverpool in October 2021, which hastened his exit. Gary Neville, a former teammate and Sky Sports pundit, called a Solskjær rehiring “Groundhog Day” in an ESPN column on January 7, 2026, arguing it risks repeating past mistakes without addressing deeper structural issues.

Despite the skepticism, Solskjær enjoys strong backing within the club. Reports from The Athletic on January 6 indicate face-to-face discussions are imminent, with key players like Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire reportedly supportive. Fernandes, United’s captain, has spoken fondly of Solskjær in past interviews, crediting him for his breakout form after joining from Sporting in 2020. A source told Sky Sports that Solskjær’s man-management skills and deep understanding of United’s DNA make him an ideal short-term fix. “Ole wants the job,” the insider said. “He’s motivated and fully ready.” This aligns with comments Solskjær made at a 2025 fan event, where he joked he’d “walk back” to Old Trafford if called upon, as reported by Manchester Evening News.

Carrick, currently managing Middlesbrough in the Championship, is another name in the mix. The 44-year-old served as Solskjær’s assistant and briefly took interim charge in 2021, overseeing wins against Villarreal and Arsenal. However, Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett reported on January 8 that it’s “increasingly unlikely” the pair will team up, with the club preferring a single “number one” to avoid complicating the hierarchy. Darren Fletcher, United’s technical director and a former player, has impressed in a caretaker capacity since Amorim’s sacking, handling training sessions and earning praise for his steady hand. This has bought the board time, with no appointment expected before the FA Cup third-round clash against Brighton on January 11.

The broader context is United’s ongoing rebuild under INEOS, who acquired a 25% stake in December 2023 and assumed full sporting control. Ratcliffe has invested heavily, sanctioning over £200 million in transfers last summer, including stars like Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt. Yet, the team has underperformed, with injuries to key defenders like Lisandro Martínez and a leaky backline conceding 28 goals in 20 league games. Off the pitch, the club faces financial pressures, including compliance with Premier League profit and sustainability rules, which limited January window spending. A report in The Times on January 9 suggested United might offload underperformers like Antony and Casemiro to fund reinforcements.

Fan reaction has been mixed. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) exploded with hashtags like #OleBack and #INEOSOut, reflecting frustration with repeated managerial changes—United’s fifth since Sir Alex Ferguson’s 2013 retirement. A poll by the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) on January 8 showed 52% opposing Solskjær’s return, citing the need for a fresh voice like Thomas Tuchel or Graham Potter. Others, nostalgic for the “Ole at the Wheel” era, argue his positivity could rally the squad for a top-six push. “He’s one of us,” tweeted fan account @centredevils on January 8, garnering over 400 likes.

Rivals are watching closely. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, sit atop the table, while Manchester City and Arsenal battle for supremacy. United’s next fixtures include a daunting trip to Anfield on January 18, amplifying the urgency. If Solskjær steps in, he’ll inherit a squad low on confidence but rich in talent, including emerging stars like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. His tactical approach—favoring counter-attacks and fluid front lines—could suit the current roster, but adapting to modern demands like high pressing will be crucial.

Beyond Solskjær, the long-term picture remains hazy. Names like Tuchel, recently sacked by Bayern Munich, and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi have been floated, but INEOS insists on a data-driven process. Omar Berrada, United’s CEO since July 2024, told BBC Sport in a January 7 interview that the club is “committed to excellence,” hinting at a summer appointment. Meanwhile, youth development continues apace; academy product Benjamin Šeško scored twice in a recent friendly, earning Fletcher’s commendation.

Irish media has even suggested Roy Keane as an alternative, with the Irish Star reporting on January 8 that his no-nonsense style could galvanize the team. Keane, a United legend, dismissed the idea on his Stick to Football podcast, saying, “I’m happy in punditry.” Such speculation underscores the chaos at Old Trafford, where stability has been elusive.

As talks progress, Solskjær’s willingness to accept any terms highlights his loyalty. Whether this translates to success is uncertain. For a club with 20 league titles, the stakes are high. A successful interim spell could lead to permanence, but failure might deepen the crisis. With the Brighton match looming, United fans await clarity, hoping this chapter brings revival rather than regression.

In the Premier League’s cutthroat landscape, decisions like this define eras. Solskjær’s potential comeback evokes nostalgia, but football moves fast. As Ratcliffe navigates this pivotal moment, the world watches to see if the Baby-Faced Assassin can assassinate United’s demons once more.