Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick has confirmed he has spoken with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since being appointed to take charge for the remainder of the season.
Carrick was speaking ahead of United’s Premier League trip to Arsenal on Sunday, a fixture that marks his first away match of this interim spell.
Support from a familiar voice
Carrick, Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy were all considered for the caretaker role following United’s latest managerial change, but it was Carrick who impressed club officials during the interview process and landed the job.
His reign could hardly have started better, overseeing a 2-0 derby win over Manchester City last weekend. Since then, Carrick revealed he has heard from Solskjaer, with whom he shares a close bond from their time working together at Old Trafford.
“Yeah, I spoke to him,” Carrick said.
“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. He wished us all the best and was happy we got the right result.”
Solskjaer has been without a job since being dismissed by Beşiktaş in August, following a difficult seven-month spell that ended with European elimination.
A relationship built on trust
Carrick first stepped into coaching under José Mourinho and was later retained by Solskjaer, a period that forged a strong working relationship between the two former midfielders.
Asked whether he might lean on Solskjaer for advice during his interim spell, Carrick played it down but acknowledged the door is always open.
“Friendships, you have conversations,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of friends in places I can pick on if I need to. I’m not one who bothers people too much, to be honest. But he’s certainly there if ever I need him.”
No looking back at 2021
Carrick also served as United’s caretaker following Solskjaer’s dismissal in November 2021, leaving that role unbeaten — including a memorable 3-2 win over Arsenal. However, he insists that result has no bearing on Sunday’s clash.
“I’ll be honest with you, the confidence I’m taking is what I’ve seen since I’ve been here with the staff and the players,” Carrick explained.
“Games from three or four years ago are done. They’re in the past.
“It’s a totally different game on Sunday. Two teams going into it in good shape.”
Tactical flexibility at the Emirates
Carrick also stressed that United will not simply repeat what worked against Manchester City, highlighting the need to adapt within games.
“It’s never the same,” he said. “Even if you’ve played well for 45 minutes, I never like saying ‘same again’. You have to build on it.
“There will be new elements. We need to be ready and we need to be at our best. If we are, we feel we’ve got a good chance.”
With momentum on his side and backing from those who know the role best, Carrick now faces one of the toughest tests in English football — a trip to the Emirates against the league leaders.
Why this matters
Carrick’s calm approach, coupled with backing from figures like Solskjaer, reflects a steadying influence at a turbulent time for United. How long it lasts remains to be seen, but the early signs point to clarity and confidence.
Key Insights
- Michael Carrick has spoken with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer since his appointment.
- Solskjaer offered support and wished United well.
- Carrick insists past Arsenal results are irrelevant.
- United will adapt tactically rather than copy the City performance.
- The interim boss feels momentum is building.
Can Carrick maintain United’s momentum against Arsenal?
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