Solskjaer makes Michael Carrick claim and reveals Manchester United return ‘offer’ | Football

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Michael Carrick is the ‘right man’ to ‘take Manchester United forward’ despite the growing pressure on his former teammate.

United’s dismal start to the season continued on Saturday as Carrick’s side lost 2-0 to Chelsea.

Manchester United were marginally on top in the first half but fell behind shortly after half-time, Chelsea summer signing Morgan Rogers sauntering through the visitors’ defence and dinking over Senne Lammens.

Carrick still has hopes of a comeback but that became unrealistic when Lisandro Martinez was sent off for two reckless fouls, the second resulting in a penalty which Cole Palmer converted.

The defeat means Manchester United are without a win in nine games, their longest run of such since 1988, and leaves the club 17th in the Premier League.

There were fresh calls for Old Trafford bosses to sack Carrick after United left Stamford Bridge empty-handed but the ex-England midfielder is expected to take charge of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Roma.

Reports suggest Carrick will also be in the dugout for next weekend’s Premier League game against Aston Villa before the United hierarchy take stock during the international break.

While Manchester United are sticking with Carrick for the time being, they have already made tentative approaches to three potential replacements – Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann.

Solskjaer supported Carrick’s appointment back in January and still believes his ex-teammate can turn things around at Old Trafford.

‘Michael has what it takes to take that club forward,’ he told Norwegian outlet TV2. ‘I think he’s the right man.

‘He understands the club, understands the fans, and knows what’s required. You don’t see that “devil” in him. But it’s there, and I have it too. We are so incredibly alike.

‘Perhaps not many people thought I would become a football coach, certainly not the manager of Manchester United. Many probably thought the same about Michael Carrick.

‘When I spoke with United, I also spoke highly of Michael. “If you choose him, you’re getting a good man,” I said. I believe he did the same for me.

‘Neither of us was desperate to get the job. But we’d likely step up if they asked.’

Solskjaer spoke to Manchester United chiefs Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada following Ruben Amorim’s sacking at the start of the year and confirmed he ‘offered’ to return to the club.

The offer came after club legend Solskjaer’s three-year spell in charge of the Red Devils which ended in 2021.

‘I had a good chat with Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada,’ Solskjaer said. ‘We didn’t discuss contract length or anything of the sort.

‘I offered to step in if needed, and I made no demands. I shared my thoughts on what is required for the club to move forward. We had one brief conversation. There were no negotiations.’

Reflecting on his time in charge of Manchester United, Solskjaer added: ‘There were some fantastic moments, but everything has its time.

‘I do miss it, yes. I could have imagined staying there forever, but life goes on. It was a very special period. Of course it was.

‘It was special in many ways. Going back to the past isn’t always a good idea. Yes, I would have stepped in [in January], but I didn’t intend for it to last beyond the summer.

‘It was probably time for someone else to have a go. I also feel like I have some unfinished business. Naturally, it would have been fun to have the opportunity again.’

Manchester United play host to Roma sitting 20th in the Champions League, while the Italians are 15th with one win, one draw and one defeat from their opening three games.

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