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Ole Gunnar Solskjær has thrown his weight behind Michael Carrick, despite acknowledging he would be receptive to returning to Manchester United, where he has "something unresolved".
United's 2-0 loss to Chelsea on Saturday means Carrick has presided over a nine-game winless run — the club's worst stretch since 1988. The team currently sits 17th in the Premier League, just outside the relegation zone on goal difference.
Carrick retained his position following crisis talks with United executives at the beginning of the week, and the 45-year-old is anticipated to be handed the next two fixtures. However, with matches against AS Roma and Aston Villa on the horizon ahead of the international break, his tenure remains on shaky ground.
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Carrick initially took charge as interim manager in January following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. During that process, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox approached Solskjær, who led the club from 2018 to 2021, as a potential alternative, as per The Mirror.
The Norwegian had Carrick serving as his assistant throughout that period and is confident United made the correct call in passing him over. "Michael has what it takes to take that club forward," Solskjær told Norwegian outlet TV2. "I think he's the right man. He understands the club, understands the fans and knows what's needed."
Solskjær's endorsement of Carrick comes as little surprise given the close bond between the two men. Carrick recently revealed that he maintains regular contact with both Solskjær and Sir Alex Ferguson as he seeks to steer the club through its current difficulties.
Despite his support for Carrick, Solskjær admits he misses being at the helm of United and was open to returning as interim manager in January.
"Going back to what has been is not always as good," he said. "Yes, I was lined up, but I didn't think it would last longer than the summer. It was probably time for someone else to try. I also feel like I have something unresolved. Of course, it would have been nice to have the opportunity again."
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Solskjær remains gracious following Carrick's appointment, who subsequently guided United to third place in the Premier League to secure UEFA Champions League football and the permanent managerial role. He added: "When I spoke to United, I also boasted about Michael. 'If you choose him, you will get a good man,' I said. I think he did the same to me.
"None of us were desperate to get the job. We'd probably be up for the job if they asked. At the time, there was talk of being an interim coach for the rest of the season."
While Solskjær remains emphatic about his affection for the club he served as both player and manager, he did acknowledge that "some of the same problems are still there" from his tenure at the helm.
Yet, perhaps with an eye toward a potential return to the dugout down the line, he is reluctant to elaborate on those issues. "No, you see… Those who watch the team see it," he said when pressed on the nature of the problems. "Those who work behind the scenes know what the challenges are there."
The prospect of a comeback is something he is eager to keep alive. "If Michael does well for 10 years and decides to quit, and they ask me if I can take them for two months, of course I wouldn't say no," he said. "I've been at that club for 18-19 years, so it's part of the family. But it's not something I'm thinking about."
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ole-gunnar-solskj-r-backs-185447426.html
