Surprise Return Sparks Hope: United Line Up Interim Boss After Amorim's Exit
6 January 2026
Update on Manchester United's coaching situation
British press reports on Tuesday said a list of candidates to take charge of Manchester United until the end of the season included a new name.
The Football Insider site and several outlets, including reporters such as Fabrizio Romano, say Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shown full willingness to return to Old Trafford, regardless of contract length, reflecting his deep ties to the club he led as player and manager.
This development follows the sacking of Portuguese Ruben Amorim yesterday, after 14 months in charge since November 2024, amid tensions with the board and disappointing results, most recently a 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
The club stated the decision was made "with regret" to give the team the best chance to improve its Premier League position, where United sit sixth. It thanked Amorim for his contributions and wished him well in the future.
The management is planning to appoint a permanent boss in the summer of 2026, while focusing now on temporary options.
Darren Fletcher, the Under-18 coach and former player, will take charge temporarily for upcoming matches, starting with Burnley on Wednesday.
Reports say the club has begun internal processes to assess short-term choices, with careful study of the best candidates to guide the team through this transition.
It is noted that Solskjaer previously took charge of United temporarily in December 2018 before becoming permanent manager in March 2019, remaining until his sacking in November 2021 after a run of poor results. Still, he is viewed as a low-risk option due to his familiarity with the club and the "Red Devils" culture.
Punchline 1: If Solskjaer returns, the only thing hotter than Old Trafford will be the popcorn in the stands.
Punchline 2: And if it works, we’ll need a bench for feelings too.
