The former player and current first-team coach is set to hold the fort
As Ole Gunnar Solskjær‘s time at Manchester United looks to be over, it is being reported that Darren Fletcher is set to take temporary charge of the team.
As reported by the Telegraph, Fletcher – who returned to the club as a first-team coach back in January – is tipped to take over at the club in the interim after an emergency board meeting which is thought to have ended with the decision to sack the Norweigan following a bad run of results.
The Red Devils lost away to Watford in a humiliating 4-1 defeat which ended with Ole himself holding hands up to apologise to the fans, while Bruno Fernandes insisted the players are to blame too.
Darren Fletcher to lead temporary first-team coaching staff when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer departs Manchester United this week. Story on a tumultuous day in the life of United, with colleagues @TelegraphDucker @JPercyTelegraphhttps://t.co/N9MtgnwnWf
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) November 20, 2021
Solskjær started out his managerial career at United almost two years ago after being named an interim caretaker himself following Jose Mourinho‘s departure.
Should the Scotsman take over, he would be superseding the rest of the first-team coaching staff which includes Mike Phelan, Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna.
Since April, the 37-year-old has been employed as technical director alongside John Murtough as football director. Should be he chosen, he would take charge of the Red Devils for his first game against last season’s Europa League villains Villareal on Tuesday in a crucial Champions League game.
However, as Fabrizio Romano understands, both Fletcher and Carrick are being touted as “interim solutions”; meanwhile Mike Phelan is rumoured to be leaving the club once again, just a month after signing a three-year contract extension.
Fletcher and Carrick are ready as interim solutions as Manchester United manager, confirmed – they’re waiting for club final decision. 🔴 #MUFC
Announcement in place for Solskjær to be officially fired in the next hours. It’s gonna be a ‘kind and respectful’ statement.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 21, 2021
Whether it turns out to be Fletcher, Carrick, or a combination of the current first-team coaching staff – many have suggested Ole’s tenure has been more of a collaboration than a one-man tactical blueprint – the club will no doubt be looking to line up a full-time replacement as soon as possible.
Related links
- De Gea and Fernandes say Man United players should take blame for Watford humiliation
- Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta clash on touchline after Sadio Mane challenge
- David De Gea admits Man United ‘don’t know what to do with the ball’
