Manchester United have turned to club legend Darren Fletcher to steady the ship on a temporary basis, but the betting markets point to a sensational permanent return for another Old Trafford icon, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Fletcher Steps Up After Amorim's Swift Exit
The managerial crisis at Old Trafford unfolded rapidly this week. Ruben Amorim was dismissed on Monday morning, just hours after a public disagreement with the club's hierarchy. The rift emerged following United's 1-1 draw away at Leeds United, with the Portuguese coach emphasising his desire to be a manager with full control, not merely a head coach.
The board acted decisively, ending Amorim's tenure which began in 2024. In his place, former midfielder Darren Fletcher will lead the team for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.
Solskjaer Emerges as Runaway Favourite
While Fletcher handles immediate duties, speculation is rife about who will take the helm permanently. A varied list of potential candidates has been suggested, including Oliver Glasner, Thomas Tuchel, and England's Gareth Southgate. However, one name has surged ahead in the bookmakers' estimations.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now the overwhelming favourite to be in the Manchester United dugout on the first day of the 2026/27 season. The Norwegian hero, who scored the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final, enjoyed a lengthy spell as manager from December 2018 to November 2021.
During his 168-game reign, Solskjaer secured 91 victories, achieving a win rate of 54.17 per cent. Although he did not add any major trophies to the cabinet during that period, his deep connection with the club and its culture makes him a popular figure among many supporters.
The Contenders and the Interim Possibility
According to the latest odds from Betfair, Solskjaer leads the pack at even money (1/1). He is followed by Oliver Glasner at 7/1 and Gareth Southgate at 17/2. Intriguingly, reports suggest that United have already held discussions with both Solskjaer and another former player, Michael Carrick, about taking interim charge until the season's conclusion.
This potential short-term arrangement could mirror Solskjaer's initial appointment as caretaker in 2018. On that occasion, his successful stint led to the job becoming permanent, a scenario that could easily repeat itself if he were to return in the coming weeks.
The full list of contenders highlights the global search likely underway:
- Ole Gunnar Solskjær: 1/1
- Oliver Glasner: 7/1
- Gareth Southgate: 17/2
- Thomas Tuchel: 10/1
- Darren Fletcher: 11/1
The coming days will be critical for the club's direction. All eyes will be on Fletcher's team at Burnley, while the board deliberates on a decision that will define Manchester United's future for years to come.
