Manchester United interim manager: Held talks with Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Manchester United have held initial talks with former players Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about taking over as interim manager of the club until the end of the season.

The talks are at a very early stage, and it is not yet known who the main contender will be to temporarily replace Ruben Amorim for the rest of the season.

Amorim was sacked on Monday after 14 turbulent months in charge, and former United midfielder Fletcher was appointed interim coach.

The Scot will remain in his position until an interim coach is appointed, with the club planning to name a permanent successor to Amorim in the summer.

Director of Football Jason Wilcox has spoken to Fletcher and former United teammates Solskjaer and Carrick about taking on the role, while another former United player Ruud van Nistelrooy is also thought to be a contender.

Van Nistelrooy has three wins and a draw in his four matches as interim coach in 2024.

Solskjaer initially took charge in a similar fashion when United sacked Jose Mourinho in 2018, then became full-time manager for three years before leaving in 2021.

Carrick has been unemployed since leaving Middlesbrough last June.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbe – now at Marseille – are understood to be among the first contenders for the full-time job.

Glasner, who won the FA Cup with the Eagles last season, was asked about the link during his press conference on Tuesday.

“I am the Crystal Palace coach and it makes no sense for you to ask me any more questions about this,” he said.