Carrick and Solskjær: Are We Experiencing a Repeat at Manchester United?

A former player returning to Manchester United to stabilize the situation following a tumultuous period under a Portuguese manager — the parallels between the caretaker roles of Ole Gunnar Solskjær in 2018 and Michael Carrick eight years later are evident.

This may not be the end of the story. Solskjær succeeded Jose Mourinho and performed well enough to secure the position permanently, while Carrick has taken over from Ruben Amorim.

After Carrick commenced his tenure with notable victories against Manchester City and Arsenal, there are whispers among enthusiastic supporters that United may have found the right leader in the dugout. The current hierarchy features different voices making significant decisions. Nevertheless, the resemblances between Solskjær and Carrick are difficult to overlook.

United has previously been tempted to promote a caretaker, and continued success from now until the season’s conclusion will bolster Carrick’s case for a similar outcome.

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From stopgap to main man

Individuals involved in hiring Solskjær in December 2018 have informed ESPN that the Norwegian was seen as a “stopgap” when Mourinho was dismissed. The intention was to buy time.

<p-Laurent Blanc, who also had a brief playing career at Old Trafford, was another candidate considered for the temporary position, but there was an internal belief that his previous roles with France and Paris Saint-Germain suggested a long-term appointment.

Solskjær was perceived as a more secure choice. He had a position at Molde to return to in the summer of 2019 when United’s search for a new manager was expected to conclude. Solskjær — who had Carrick on his staff — was not initially viewed as a frontrunner for the permanent role, but, according to sources, he possessed what was termed “option value” by United executives and was not entirely dismissed.

Carrick finds himself in a comparable situation. At the time of his appointment, United sources indicated to ESPN that it would require something “exceptional” for the former England midfielder to secure the job permanently, and the focus, when appropriate, would shift to external candidates.

The prevailing sentiment was that it was “highly unlikely” the Solskjær scenario would be replicated. Carrick — similar to Solskjær — has kept the possibility open when questioned about his future. He could contend that it doesn’t get more exceptional than winning a Manchester derby against one of the greatest managers in history, Pep Guardiola, and handing the Premier League leaders their first home league defeat of the season.

Going back to basics

Solskjær won his first eight matches in charge, with United netting 22 goals during that stretch. Sources have informed ESPN that it wasn’t solely the results that began to win over the decision-makers, but also the style in which they were achieved.

Mourinho’s pragmatic approach was replaced by “attacking flair, risk-taking, and first-time passes going forward,” according to one source. Carrick, too, has displayed more courage than Amorim in his initial matches, especially at the Emirates, where he made offensive substitutions with the game on the line in the second half.

With Solskjær, there was a sense that he was aiding in the recovery of something that had been lost under Mourinho. A source told ESPN that he had “real clarity about what United needed to do to be Manchester United again. It was like conversing with Sir Alex Ferguson.”

Before Mourinho’s dismissal, there was concern among executives regarding remarks he made about some squad players during the previous summer’s tour of America. It was perceived as the beginning of the end.

In a similar vein, club executives were not pleased with Amorim’s comments about Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu. He remarked that Sesko was “struggling” and that Dorgu was “anxious” every time he touched the ball.

It has been noticeable that Carrick has kept press conferences brief. He had the opportunity to criticize Diogo Dalot following a poor individual performance against City, but instead of agreeing — as Amorim might have done — Carrick opted to defend him.

Solskjær gained favor through his media handling, and Carrick, too, is articulating all the right points.

Off-field considerations

Solskjær’s impact was not limited to the pitch. When Mourinho learned of reports that United intended to hire a director of football, he angrily confronted then-executive vice chairman Ed Woodward and demanded: “Tell me this isn’t true.”

The club had long aimed to modernize its structure, but there was a belief that this could not occur while Mourinho was at the helm. Solskjær, according to one source, was more open-minded and viewed himself as a “hand in a glove” rather than a dictator.

Under Solskjær’s leadership, United successfully appointed their first football director and technical director in March 2021. One source informed ESPN that it was “easier to move forward” without Mourinho in charge.

Similar considerations will be relevant this time. Amorim ultimately resisted the club’s structure, and his dramatic fallout with director of football Jason Wilcox contributed to his exit.

However, rather than adjust the distribution of authority following Amorim’s dismissal, United are reinforcing their stance and insist that the next permanent manager must accept their role within the decision-making framework.

Other external candidates like Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi have demonstrated in the past that they can be quite demanding, particularly regarding recruitment. Given the manner in which Amorim’s tenure concluded, it is understandable why a more understated, accommodating figure like Carrick would be appealing to Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada.

History repeating?

Ultimately, above all else, it is the results that hold the most significance. Solskjær secured 14 victories in his 19 matches as caretaker and was appointed permanent manager in March 2019.

“Since taking over as caretaker manager in December, the results Ole has delivered speak for themselves,” Woodward stated at the time.

Sources have informed ESPN that there was “no defining moment” when decision-makers concluded Solskjær was the right choice. It was beneficial that in January 2019, Solskjær led his team to a 1-0 victory against Tottenham — managed by Mauricio Pochettino, the leading external candidate for the United position.

“We discussed a process, but it turns out we didn’t need to. He demonstrated the right qualities both on and off the field from the outset,” said one source.

As it stands, United still intends to continue their search. They have mentioned the possibility of waiting for a manager currently preparing for the World Cup — someone like Tuchel, Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti, or Julian Nagelsmann.

There are also candidates with Premier League experience such as Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, and Oliver Glasner. One particular aspect that Wilcox and Berrada are seeking is the ability to manage the pressure associated with leading United, especially since a crucial part of the role involves teaching players to handle the same.

There was a sense that the pressure became overwhelming for Amorim, and United do not wish to repeat that mistake. It is one of the factors that distinguished Solskjær in 2019. It could similarly set Carrick apart.

Both have learned to navigate the intense scrutiny and unique spotlight at Old Trafford as players, each winning multiple league titles and the UEFA Champions League. They have both experienced it, seen it, and accomplished it.

Thus far, United has been eager to distance themselves from claims that history might repeat itself. A few more favorable results could make the noise impossible to ignore.