Solskjaer Backs Carrick but Says He Has Something Unresolved at Man Utd

• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer calls Michael Carrick “the right man” for Manchester United, per the Mirror.
• The former United manager says he has “something unresolved” at the club and would not say no to a return.
• Carrick has gone nine games without a win, and United sit 17th in the Premier League on goal difference.

The Friend Who Was on United’s List in January

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Michael Carrick to succeed at Manchester United. He also wants a second chance at the club himself. The former United manager said both in one interview with TV2, backing the man in the dugout while admitting that “I also feel like I have something unresolved.” Solskjaer made clear he is not pushing for the job today. If United ever came calling, he says he would not turn them down.

Nine Games Without a Win

United lost 2-0 to Chelsea on Saturday, which left Carrick with nine games without a win. The team sits 17th in the table, just outside the relegation zone on goal difference. Jamie Carragher warned that United were dropping standards after six winless games. Three more have followed.

Carrick kept his job after crisis talks with United chiefs at the start of the week. The 45 year old is expected to get the next two matches, against Roma and Aston Villa, before the international break. His future there is uncertain.

Solskjaer knows how the job came about. Carrick took over as interim boss in January after United sacked Ruben Amorim, who later faced his old club as AC Milan manager. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox contacted Solskjaer, who was in charge of the club from 2018 to 2021, as another option. Carrick was his assistant in those years. United went with Carrick, who then led the team to third place, a return to the Champions League and the permanent job.

Solskjaer backs the club’s decision. “Michael has what it takes to take that club forward,” he told TV2. “I think he’s the right man. He understands the club, understands the fans and knows what’s needed.”

What Solskjaer Says He Wanted

The friendship between the two men is no secret. Carrick revealed recently that he is in regular contact with Solskjaer and Sir Alex Ferguson as he tries to work his way out of the slump.

Solskjaer admits he misses managing United and was open to returning as interim boss in January. “Going back to what has been is not always as good,” he said. “Yes, I was lined up, but I didn’t think it would last longer than the summer. It was probably time for someone else to try. I also feel like I have something unresolved. Of course it would have been nice to have the opportunity again.”

He says he spoke up for Carrick when he talked to the club. “When I spoke to United, I also boasted about Michael. ‘If you choose him, you will get a good man,’ I said. I think he did the same to me.” Neither man was chasing the role. “None of us were desperate to get the job,” Solskjaer said. “We’d probably be up for the job if they asked. At the time, there was talk of being an interim coach for the rest of the season.”

The Problems He Will Not Name

Solskjaer conceded that “some of the same problems are still there” from his own time in charge. Asked what they are, he held back. “No, you see… Those who watch the team see it,” he said. “Those who work behind the scenes know what the challenges are there.”

He is also keeping the door open. “If Michael does well for 10 years and decides to quit, and they ask me if I can take them for two months, of course I wouldn’t say no,” he said. “I’ve been at that club for 18-19 years, so it’s part of the family. But it’s not something I’m thinking about.”

For now the job belongs to Carrick. Roma and Aston Villa are next on the schedule, and the next two matches are the ones he is expected to be given to turn the run around.

WRITTEN BY

George Howson

George Howson is a Futbol Chronicle contributor and accredited journalist with over 20 years of experience following international football. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, George has covered matches at stadiums around the world, bringing deep knowledge and first-hand insight to every match report and analysis he writes.

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