Carrick vs Solskjaer: Sir Alex Ferguson delivers his shock pick to be Man United’s next manager – Ben Jacobs

Ben Jacobs has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson’s preference regarding who should become Manchester United’s caretaker until the end of the season, with INEOS close to making a final decision.

Carrick vs Solskjaer

The frontrunners to take the reins at Old Trafford are both former players under the 84-year-old Scot – with Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the two leading candidates for the role.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is also under consideration, though he remains a distant third in the race, while Darren Fletcher is understood to have been ruled out.

The under-18s coach has led the senior side since Ruben Amorim’s dismissal last week. Officials have been impressed by his conduct, but two unimpressive results – a draw with Burnley and a loss to Brighton & Hove Albion – have removed him from the running.

Initial reports had indicated Solskjaer was ahead of Carrick in INEOS’s thinking. The Norwegian’s previous experience at the helm of the Red Devils was said to be an advantage over his rival and friend, though Carrick has fulfilled the interim role before, albeit only for three games.

However, the club’s executive branch held face-to-face interviews with both coaches over the weekend – and it is Carrick who has emerged as their favoured option in a shock twist, with Ferguson supporting this decision.

Ferguson makes his pick

Jacobs reports that Carrick, who was manager of Middlesbrough for nearly three years after leaving United as an assistant coach, delivered an impressive account of himself during talks.

The talkSPORT reporter also contends United’s rulers are looking for a candidate who is “new and fresh and different” – with a sense that Solskjaer’s return would be a backwards step for the club.

Jacobs states that “internal support” at Old Trafford has grown for Carrick, with Ferguson “in favour” of this choice.

“Carrick has gathered internal support since a strong interview…that internal support is not only from senior figures in the leadership team, and on the board, I’m told Alex Ferguson is understood to be in favour of Carrick over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.”

INEOS are also said to be mindful of Carrick’s previous work under Solskjaer, who would delegate control at Carrington to his assistants, which is seen as a positive reflection of what the 44-year-old will bring to the table, and a negative for the Norwegian.

United are expected to announce a final decision in the next 24 hours, with the hierarchy wanting to give the new caretaker as much time on the training ground as possible before the derby with Manchester City this weekend.

Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

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