Manchester United is considering a dramatic return to the past, with Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emerging as leading candidates for the caretaker manager role.

Both former players are expected to hold face-to-face talks with club executives as United searches for short-term stability until the end of the season.

Sources indicate a joint arrangement is not being ruled out, given Carrick’s influential role during Solskjaer’s previous tenure.

Darren Fletcher, currently in charge of the Under-18s, will remain in interim control for Wednesday’s clash at Burnley, but is not expected to hold the role long-term.

Former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is also believed to be under consideration.

The vacancy followed the dismissal of Amorim, ending a turbulent 14-month spell at Old Trafford. The club plans to appoint a permanent manager in the summer.

A dressing-room source told the BBC that players believe shared leadership is possible and that Fletcher could remain if results improve.

Solskjaer previously took over after Jose Mourinho’s dismissal in 2018, later earning the role permanently before being sacked in 2021.

Carrick briefly managed United for three matches before leaving the club in 2022 and has been out of work since leaving Middlesbrough.

Solskjaer, meanwhile, was dismissed by Besiktas in August.

Looking ahead, Oliver Glasner and Roberto De Zerbi are early favourites for the permanent role, though Glasner dismissed speculation when questioned.