Man United are in talks with both Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to take over on an interim basis at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils saw their first game without Ruben Amorim on Wednesday night, as they drew 2-2 against Burnley under the guidance and coaching of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher. He is expected to take charge of United again at the weekend when they face Brighton in the FA Cup.
However, beyond that, it is not certain. Man United are speaking with both Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who have both taken interim charge of United before, to be the manager until the end of the season. In Solskjaer’s case, he ended up taking on the job permanently after impressing as an interim.
But which manager should Man United bring in to try and guide them to Champions League qualification during the second half of the season, we decided to crunch the numbers to find out…
Solskjaer has better statistics as a manager
In terms of looking simply at success in terms of results, Solskjaer has the better record, during his managerial spells with Manchester United, Cardiff City, Molde FK, and Besiktas than Carrick has done during his spell with Middlesbrough and brief time in charge of United.
The Norwegian manager has earned 1.75 points per match in his career as a manager, these numbers are certainly helped by the fact that he saw fairly sustained levels of success during his time at United and Molde FK, in two longer term roles.
Design by Dylan Oakley
Meanwhile, Carrick’s average points per match is 1.60, although he is much earlier in his managerial career, as he has managed three games for United, and just a spell in the competitive Championship with Middlesbrough for three years.
Both managers would play a similar system at Man United
Much of the discussion following Amorim’s departure was that his 3-4-3 formation never suited the players at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils wouldn’t have that problem seemingly with Carrick or Solskjaer.
They both play a 4-2-3-1 formation, which would suit United very well, as they can use the likes of Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot as natural full-backs in defence, Kobbie Mainoo could get in the team with Bruno Fernandes playing in his natural position as an attacking midfielder, with room still for the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in the two wider roles.
It seems that in terms of formation, United would be in a great position whether they go with Solskjaer or with Carrick.
The board should prioritise keeping the fans happy
Finally, a point that hasn’t been talked about much in recent weeks is that Man United should realise that results wise, both Carrick and Solskjaer are likely to produce a decent output, so how else should they be considering who to appoint?
The Man United fans have been through the ringer in recent years, and the confidence in INEOS and the higher-ups is at an all time low following the failing of Ruben Amorim.
So, considering that it is just on an interim basis, the board should listen to the fans, and appoint the manager that Old Trafford would love to see return…Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Man United fans believe that he has unfinished business at United, and let’s be honest, he provided the best memories at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. So, why not have a bit of nostalgic fun for the rest of the season.
United should get Ole back in, both because he is a more experienced manager than Carrick, and that he has a better win ratio; But also because, it would give the fanbase a much needed boost.
Click here to see Man United’s first team squad for the new interim boss.