Manchester United Confirm Interim Manager Timeline as Details Emerge — Solskjær Could Land a Seven-Figure Payout, Proposed Reunion with Carrick Ruled Out

Ole Gunnar Solskjær could be set for a swift return to the Manchester United dugout. The Norwegian is understood to be continuing talks with the club and has emerged as the leading candidate to take over as interim head coach following the dismissal of Rúben Amorim.

His main rivals are former teammate and assistant Michael Carrick, as well as current caretaker Darren Fletcher, who has been overseeing first-team duties in the immediate aftermath of the change.

United have reportedly decided to appoint an interim manager until May, before turning to a wider search for a permanent head coach in the summer. The logic is straightforward: the market is expected to open up significantly after the season ends, with potential movement among national-team coaches after major tournaments and several club managers reaching the end of their contracts—creating opportunities to land a top candidate without a hefty compensation fee.

Solskjær is viewed as the standout interim option, in large part because of his approach in discussions with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS leadership group. According to Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Solskjær made it clear that he is motivated by helping the club rather than negotiating leverage, telling United in talks that money, contract length, and salary were not his priority—he simply wants the chance to return and support the team.

That said, a short-term United contract would still come with strong earnings. Norway’s Nettavisen reports that Solskjær’s representative has discussed an agreement worth between £50,000 and £60,000 per week. The exact duration would depend on when he takes charge, but the projected term is 18 to 20 weeks—meaning Solskjær could earn around £1 million for a half-season spell.

United’s Premier League campaign is scheduled to conclude with an away trip to Brighton on May 24. The FA Cup final comes earlier, on May 16, so an interim manager would likely oversee 17 league matches and—depending on progress—up to five FA Cup fixtures.

Reports in England add an extra incentive: if United were to secure UEFA Champions League qualification, Solskjær could receive a substantial bonus in the region of £3 million to £4 million. In that scenario, a successful return could take his total package to as much as £5 million.

For supporters used to blockbuster spending, that figure may sound modest. But in the context of Premier League coaching salaries, it is still a significant number. By comparison, newly appointed Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior is reported to earn £4 million per year, and both Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace) and Marco Silva (Fulham)—two managers previously linked with United—are in a similar bracket.

Only eight Premier League managers are believed to earn more than £4 million annually. That group includes elite names such as Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, and Arne Slot, alongside Tottenham’s Thomas Frank on around £8 million and West Ham’s Nuno Espírito Santo at roughly £4.5 million. Meanwhile, Brentford’s Keith Andrews—whose side currently sits as high as fifth—reportedly earns about £1.3 million per year.

Solskjær’s most recent role at Beşiktaş also came with a sizeable salary, reported at €3.6 million (around £3.1 million) per year. So if the United legend does return to Old Trafford, there is little expectation that he would be taking a meaningful step down financially—United’s “lower wage” by their standards would still be considered premium elsewhere.

The Athletic previously suggested a creative solution: appoint Solskjær and Carrick as joint interim coaches. However, The Sun reports this is unlikely. Despite their history of working together, the expectation is that only one of them would be chosen.

Both Solskjær and Carrick are currently in the UK, but personal commitments this week have slowed the pace of talks. Even so, United’s hierarchy is said to be in no rush to finalize an appointment. The two candidates reportedly held discussions with senior figures on Tuesday, but CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox are expected to meet them in person before a final decision is made.

In the meantime, Fletcher remains in charge. His first match did not bring victory against Burnley—who sit second from bottom—but he had only two days to prepare. Sky Sports reports that United’s leadership has been impressed with his work, from his composure in media duties to the quality of his sessions at Carrington.

One example highlighted was Fletcher’s individual coaching with €85 million striker Benjamin Šeško. Fletcher reportedly walked him through movement clips and specific improvement points, and Šeško responded by scoring twice for the first time in a United shirt.

Now the immediate task is clear. Fletcher needs a home win over Brighton on Sunday to keep alive what is described as United’s only remaining chance of silverware this season. After that, the club is expected to move closer to a decision—most likely choosing between Solskjær and Carrick.

Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett adds that United are not expected to name a new coach before Sunday’s match, with no emergency negotiations planned. The Guardian also reports that a further meeting with Solskjær and Carrick—initially scheduled for Thursday—has been pushed back, with talks now expected to resume after Friday.