Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has declared that he would be willing to return to Manchester United, even though he endorsed Michael Carrick for the position during discussions with Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, despite being a candidate himself. The ex-Red Devils manager, who was in charge for three seasons at Old Trafford between 2018 and 2021, was among those being considered to replace Ruben Amorim in January.

Both Solskjaer and Carrick were leading candidates for the position, though the latter ultimately got the nod. Solskjaer had previously taken over from Jose Mourinho in 2018 on a caretaker basis and secured victory in his opening eight fixtures across all competitions.

The Norwegian boss subsequently penned a three-year deal before being sacked in November 2021, with his departure prompting Carrick to oversee three fixtures.

United brought in Ralf Rangnick for the remainder of the season, but he left when Rangnick assumed the position and then became Middlesbrough's head coach.

Despite being among the contenders for the position, Solskjaer acknowledged he held nothing but admiration for his former assistant and even urged United to pick Carrick.

"When I spoke to United, I also boasted about Michael - 'If you choose him, you will get a good man,' I said," Solskjaer told TV2.

"I think he did the same to me. 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 needed."

The 53-year-old, who stressed he made no demands concerning salary or contract length, explained: "None of us were desperate to get the job. We'd probably be up for the job if they asked. At the time, there was talk of being an interim coach for the rest of the season.

"I gave my input on what is needed for the club to move forward. It was one small chat we had. There were no negotiations. Going back to what has been is not always as good.

"Yes, I had lined up, but I didn't think it would last longer than the summer. It was probably time for someone else to try."

Carrick 'takes responsibility' as position hangs in balance

Solskjaer maintains he still has unfinished business at Old Trafford and admits he would embrace the prospect of returning should the chance arise, adding: "I also feel like I have something unresolved. Of course it would have been nice to have the opportunity again."

Nevertheless, the 53-year-old maintained that Carrick remains the right choice for the role despite a disastrous start to the season.

"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 needed," Solskjaer added.

"Some of the same problems are still there. They're called challenges, not problems. Nothing is a problem. Those who watch the team see it. Those who work behind the scenes know what the challenges are there."

Carrick avoided being sacked this week following a dismal sequence of results, with the club prepared to grant him until the November international break to turn their fortunes around.

United are without a win in their previous nine fixtures in all competitions and are being strongly linked with Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann.

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