Michael Carrick reveals talk with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after taking over at Man United

Carrick was recently confirmed as Manchester United’s interim manager until the end of the season following the club’s decision to sack Ruben Amorim earlier this month. In a surprise move, he was chosen ahead of former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to take charge at Old Trafford.

Despite missing out on the role, Solskjaer has remained supportive of Carrick. Speaking ahead of the match against Arsenal, Carrick revealed the nature of their relationship.

“I spoke to him. I’m close to him. We've been through a lot together, so he's been fully supportive, as you'd expect. He's some man and I respect him an awful lot,” Carrick said. “He wished us all the best and he was happy that we got the right result. You have conversations and I've got a lot of friends in places that I can pick on if I need to. I'm not one that bothers a lot of people, to be honest. But he's certainly there if ever I need him.”

Carrick and Solskjaer previously worked closely together during the Norwegian’s spell as United manager, after Carrick retired from playing. In 2021, following Solskjaer’s dismissal due to poor results, Carrick took temporary charge of the team for three matches before Ralf Rangnick was appointed. He then spent three years at Middlesbrough before returning to United earlier this month.

Carrick also reflected on his experience working under Solskjaer. “Games from three or four years ago, it's done, it's in the past,” he said. “So as much as the experience helps you in certain moments, I think it’s a totally different game. I think the confidence I'm taking into the game is what we've seen since I've been here, between me and my staff, in terms of the game itself, training and how the boys have gone about it.”

Although he has only overseen one match so far, Carrick has already made a positive impact, guiding United to a 2-0 victory over Manchester City. Tonight, he faces a major test as United travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on league leaders Arsenal. Manchester United currently sit fifth in the table with 35 points. A win or even a draw could see them overtake Liverpool and move into fourth place.

The Arsenal vs Manchester United match is scheduled to kick off at 11 PM on 25 January.