Former Manchester United stars have taken turns managing the club, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer potentially poised for a second stint. As the search for a new manager continues, Solskjaer currently leads fellow ex-player Michael Carrick in the race to replace Ruben Amorim. Meanwhile, Darren Fletcher is set to manage the upcoming match against Burnley. This article evaluates how these former players have performed in managerial roles at Old Trafford.
Ryan Giggs: A Brief Caretaker Tenure
Ryan Giggs stepped into a caretaker role in April 2014 after David Moyes’s turbulent tenure ended with a disappointing season. United appointed Giggs for the last four matches after a disheartening defeat against Everton. He brought in old teammates Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes for assistance, while Phil Neville remained on staff.
Giggs’s managerial debut saw United claim a confident 4-0 victory over Norwich City. However, he faced a setback the following week, losing 1-0 to Sunderland. In a documentary covering his brief tenure, Giggs admitted he struggled with team selection. His final match as a player and manager occurred in a 3-1 victory against Hull City, marking an emotional end to both his playing and managerial aspirations.
Ruud van Nistelrooy: A Short-Lived Success
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s appointment as caretaker manager in July 2024 came as Erik ten Hag’s position became tenuous. The former striker quickly proved his worth, securing three wins and a draw during his brief tenure. His two-week period saw impressive victories against Leicester City, including a 5-2 win in the League Cup and a 3-0 triumph in the Premier League.
Despite a gritty draw against Chelsea and a narrow win against PAOK in the Europa League, Van Nistelrooy’s time was cut short when Amorim replaced Ten Hag. His willingness to step back underlined his commitment to the club rather than personal ambition.
Michael Carrick: An Unbeaten Streak
Michael Carrick’s time as caretaker manager was marked by an unbeaten record, a remarkable feat given the challenges he faced. Following a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Watford, Carrick led United to a morale-boosting 2-0 victory against Villarreal in the Champions League just four days later. His tactical adaptability was evident during a 1-1 draw against Chelsea, where he switched to a back three.
Carrick’s leadership culminated in an exhilarating 3-2 win against Arsenal, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice. Shortly after that match, Carrick announced his departure from the club after a 15-and-a-half-year association, despite incoming interim manager Ralf Rangnick wanting to retain him.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: A Rollercoaster Journey
The chant “Jose’s at the wheel” transformed into a celebration of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when he took over as caretaker manager in December 2018. His initial impact was remarkable, with United winning eight consecutive matches, including a pivotal 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur.
Under Solskjaer, United experienced a thrilling comeback against Paris Saint-Germain, progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals after overcoming a 2-0 first-leg deficit. His tenure as permanent manager saw mixed results, with the team finishing second in the Premier League during the 2020-21 season, albeit in a campaign largely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite some success, Solskjaer’s time was marred by disappointing performances, including a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool in October 2021. He left the club following a 4-1 loss to Watford, facing criticism from fans and experts alike.
As Manchester United navigates its managerial challenges, the experiences of these former players highlight the complexities and pressures of leadership at a club with a rich history and high expectations. The upcoming decisions regarding the managerial position will be crucial for the club’s future.
