Man United ‘make direct contact’ with two managers over vacancy at club

They would be in charge until the end of the season

Although Darren Fletcher has been put in charge for the clash with Burnley later this week, the club are said to be looking at appointing a caretaker manager for the next 6 months, before settling on a permanent figure in the summer.

The successful candidate is expected to be appointed on an initial short-term contract as a caretaker manager.

It is currently unclear whether there is scope for either to be handed the role permanently, at the end of their potential temporary tenure.

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Per a new report from Ben Jacobs, Man United have reached out to former players Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick.

Although both have previously been installed as a Man United caretaker manager in the past, only Solskjaer has ever worked as long-term Man United manager.

The Norwegian took over in similar circumstances following the departure of Jose Mourinho back in 2018, and went on to earn a full-time contract, impressing with an engaging style of football after securing a shock Champions League win over PSG.

Solskjær remained in charge at Old Trafford until 2021, eventually being replaced by Ralf Rangnick.

The idea of Solskjær's return is expected to be an attractive proposition for Man United supporters, with whom the retired star striker always maintained a strong relationship.

The 52-year-old will always be remembered fondly for his heroics as a Red Devils player, scoring the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final, and securing a Man United treble in the process.

Carrick too has plenty of top level managerial experience, from a three-year spell with Middlesbrough, however if appointed by the Red Devils, this would be the biggest step of the Englishman's managerial career.

With Championship side Middlesbrough, the 44-year-old was nominated for the division's manager of the year award during just his first season in charge, after carrying Boro away from a relegation fight and into the play-off spots. The following season Middlesbrough made the EFL Cup semi-finals.

There is no indication at this early stage as to which figure is currently preferred by the Man United hierachy.