Michael Carrick of Manchester United: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is available for support if needed.

Michael Carrick has had a conversation with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since securing the Manchester United position, stating that the club’s former manager is available for guidance whenever needed.

The dismissal of Ruben Amorim after 14 inconsistent and increasingly contentious months prompted the Red Devils to urgently seek a new head coach for the remainder of the season.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was considered for the role, but 1999 treble-winning hero Solskjaer and former captain Carrick were consistently viewed as the leading candidates.

The 44-year-old Carrick commenced his tenure with a notable 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City and has communicated with the amiable Norwegian as focus shifts to Sunday’s match against league leaders Arsenal.

“Yes, I spoke to him,” Carrick remarked. “We have a close relationship, having experienced a lot together, so he has been completely supportive as expected.

“He is a remarkable person, and I hold him in high regard, so he wished us well and was pleased with the positive outcome.”

When asked if he would seek Solskjaer’s insights, the United manager replied: “In friendships, you have discussions.

“I have numerous friends in various places that I can consult if necessary. I’m not one to frequently reach out to others, to be honest, but he is certainly available if I ever require his assistance.”

Solskjaer is likely to be observing as United aims to extend their flawless start under Carrick in their away match against Arsenal, where the Red Devils have faced defeats in their last four Premier League encounters.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners saw their lead at the top reduced to four points following City’s 2-0 victory over Wolves, with the formidable Gunners poised to present a significant challenge after United’s derby success.

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“Every match is unique,” Carrick stated. “There is an aspect of that. It’s never identical.

“Even if you come in at half-time having performed well for 45 minutes, I’m not one to say ‘do the same again’ because it’s never, ever the same again.

“You have to build on it, so it won’t be a simple copy and paste. I believe new elements need to be incorporated.

“We must be prepared and perform at our best. If we achieve that, we feel we have a solid chance.”

United travels to north London following the confirmation that Casemiro will depart the club when his contract concludes at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old’s departure was largely anticipated, as is the Red Devils’ strategy to strengthen their midfield this summer—an area where Carrick is well-positioned and ready to contribute.

“I am certainly in a position to do that,” the former United midfielder stated. “I believe making decisions for the club’s future, whatever that may entail, is something I am fully committed to.

“Naturally, as a midfielder, there is a strong inclination towards that anyway.

“However, setting that aside and now being in my current role, it will certainly be part of those discussions moving forward.

“It is crucial that we make the right next steps in terms of progressing as a team and a squad and establishing the appropriate foundations. So, yes, I will be involved in that in the right manner.”