Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has publicly supported Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager, despite the club's poor form. United have not won in nine games—their longest such run since 1988—and sit 17th in the Premier League after a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday, when Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer (from a penalty) scored.
Speaking to Norwegian outlet TV2, Solskjaer praised Carrick, his former assistant: "Michael has what it takes to take that club forward. I think he's the right man. He understands the club, understands the fans, and knows what's required."
Carrick was appointed caretaker after Ruben Amorim's sacking in January, then given the job permanently after securing third place and Champions League qualification. Solskjaer revealed he offered to step in himself when the club's hierarchy were considering options. He told TV2: "When I spoke with United, I also spoke highly of Michael. 'If you choose him, you're getting a good man,' I said."
Solskjaer confirmed holding talks with Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada in January, stating: "I offered to step in if needed, and I made no demands." He added that any return would have been temporary: "Yes, I would have stepped in [in January], but I didn't intend for it to last beyond the summer."
Carrick is expected to manage United in the Champions League against Roma on Tuesday and in next weekend's home match against Aston Villa. The club hierarchy are set to review the situation during the international break. Metro has reported that United have made tentative approaches to Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann.
Source: goal.com
