Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed Michael Carrick to lead Manchester United through their difficult period. However, the former United manager has also admitted that he still has unfinished business at Old Trafford.
Carrick faces growing pressure after United suffered a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The result extended their winless run to nine matches. It also marked the club’s worst run since 1988.
United now sit 17th in the Premier League table. They remain outside the relegation zone only because of their goal difference.
Despite the poor results, Solskjaer believes Carrick has the right qualities to move the club forward. The Norwegian also remains open to a possible return to Manchester United in the future.
Solskjaer Believes Carrick Is the Right Man for Man Utd
Solskjaer has shown clear support for his former assistant.
Speaking to Norwegian media outlet TV2, he praised Carrick’s knowledge of Manchester United and his understanding of the club’s expectations.
“Michael has what it takes to move that club forward. I think he is the right man. He understands the club, understands the fans and knows what the job requires,” Solskjaer said.
The pair already share a strong working relationship. Carrick served as one of Solskjaer’s assistants during his time as United manager from 2018 to 2021.
That experience gave Carrick a close look at the demands of the Old Trafford job.
He also remains in regular contact with Solskjaer and former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Both have offered advice as Carrick deals with the pressure at the club.
Michael Carrick Faces Pressure After Nine Winless Games
Manchester United’s latest defeat has increased the pressure on Carrick.
The 2-0 loss against Chelsea extended their winless run to nine matches. This is the club’s worst spell without a victory since 1988.
United have also fallen to 17th place in the Premier League standings. Their goal difference currently keeps them above the relegation zone.
Carrick recently held talks with senior club officials. Following those discussions, United decided to keep him in charge.
He is expected to get the chance to lead the team in their next two matches.
The upcoming fixtures against Roma and Aston Villa will provide an important test before the international break.
Solskjaer understands the challenges Carrick faces. However, he remains confident that his former assistant can handle the situation.
Solskjaer Admits He Still Has Unfinished Business at Old Trafford
While Solskjaer supports Carrick, he has not completely ruled out another spell at Manchester United.
The Norwegian was among the names considered when the club looked for an interim manager in January. That search followed Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.
Solskjaer understood that a return might not last beyond the summer. He also recognised that the club could need a fresh voice.
“Going back to something that has happened before is not always better. Yes, I was considered, but I did not think it would last beyond the summer. Maybe it was time for someone else to have a go,” he explained.
However, Solskjaer admitted that his connection with United remains strong.
“I also feel that I have something unfinished there. Of course, it would be nice to get another chance,” he added.
He also made it clear that he would have no problem if United chose Carrick instead.
In fact, Solskjaer gave club officials a positive recommendation about his former assistant.
Solskjaer Has Not Closed the Door on a United Return
Solskjaer has spent almost two decades connected to Manchester United, first as a player and later as a manager.
That long relationship explains why he still feels close to the club.
He also revealed that neither he nor Carrick had pushed strongly for the interim job. Both would have considered the opportunity if United had approached them.
“Michael and I were never desperate to get the job. We might have been willing if they asked. At the time, the discussion was about taking charge until the end of the season,” Solskjaer said.
The former United manager also believes some of the club’s old problems remain.
He did not explain those issues in detail. However, he suggested that people who follow the team and work behind the scenes understand the challenges.
“Some of the same problems are still there. People watching the team can see them. Those working behind the scenes also know the challenges,” he said.
Solskjaer then gave an example of a situation in which he might return.
“If Michael does a good job for 10 years and then decides to leave, and they ask me to manage the team for two months, of course I would not say no,” he explained.
“I spent 18 or 19 years at that club. It is like family to me.”
Carrick’s Future Remains a Key Talking Point
Despite his openness to a possible return, Solskjaer stressed that he is not actively thinking about another spell at Old Trafford.
His current focus is not on replacing Carrick. Instead, he wants to see his former assistant succeed.
For Manchester United, the immediate priority remains improving their results and climbing away from the relegation zone.
The next matches against Roma and Aston Villa could play an important role in shaping Carrick’s future.
Solskjaer’s support offers encouragement during a difficult period. But the final answer must come from results on the pitch.
For now, Carrick has the chance to prove that he can lead United forward. Meanwhile, Solskjaer has left the door open for a return if the club ever needs him again.
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