Man Utd open talks with 4-2-3-1 manager who Ronaldo thinks is “class”

Manchester United are on the hunt for an interim boss and could now turn to a familiar face to lead them out at Old Trafford for the remainder of the season.

Man Utd begin process of searching for new manager

Ruben Amorim has left the building and Darren Fletcher is now the man in charge for the time being as the Red Devils look forward to the rest of the campaign under new management.

Leaving in acrimonious circumstances, the 40-year-old’s relationship with Jason Wilcox broke down, leaving both parties with no choice but to go their separate ways rather than to reconcile.

In scathing fashion, Manchester United’s official statement on Amorim’s departure read: “With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change.

“This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish. The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”

Despite the Red Devils sitting sixth in the Premier League table, the process is now underway to find his replacement and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be keen to return to Old Trafford on a six-month contract as they seek interim cover before a full-time appointment is made in the summer.

Ultimately, a swift hire is needed amid a swift run of Premier League fixtures, and the Red Devils hierarchy may now have someone else in mind to replace Amorim.

Man Utd could turn to Michael Carrick

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, United have now opened talks to hire Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick on an interim basis until the end of the season.

iNews further report that Carrick has been earmarked as a temporary solution to lead the club until the end of the season. He is among the ‘top contenders’ to succeed Amorim and is available immediately after leaving Teeside at the end of last term.

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Known to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, he won 63 of his 136 clashes in charge of Boro. The 44-year-old also recorded 24 draws and 49 losses across all competitions and amassed around 1.57 points per game in the Sky Bet Championship.

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Previously, Carrick, labelled a “class act” by Cristiano Ronaldo, enjoyed a three-game stint in caretaker charge of Manchester United after Solskjaer’s departure in 2021, emerging victorious on two occasions and drawing one of his three matches.

Short-term fixes are never something clubs would ideally resort to. Nevertheless, the Wallsend-born man would be regarded as a safe pair of hands with an extensive working knowledge of the club, both in a playing and coaching capacity.

Furthermore, the prospect of being able to put himself in the running for a permanent role may be too enticing to refuse, even if it isn’t yet clear whether he would be keen on a return to Old Trafford.

Aston Villa join Man United in race to sign ‘perfect’ and ‘unusual’ centre-back

Aston Villa have joined Man United in the January race to sign a highly-rated centre-back as Unai Emery’s men continue their pursuit of a surprise Premier League title.

Villa have surged into genuine Premier League title contention with a remarkable winning streak that has propelled them within touching distance of leaders Arsenal ahead of tonight’s crucial showdown at the Emirates Stadium.

Emery has masterminded 11 consecutive victories across all competitions, matching the club’s all-time record and positioning Villa just three points behind the Gunners with a victory potentially drawing them level at the summit.

Villa’s latest triumph came at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, where they recovered from a goal down to beat Chelsea 2–1 thanks to inspired second-half substitutions from Emery.

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Ollie Watkins hailed his manager as a “tactical genius” following the comeback, which extended Villa’s extraordinary run.

The Midlands club have demonstrated exceptional mental resilience throughout their winning run, earning 18 points from losing positions this season — more than any other Premier League side.

All seven of their most recent league victories have also been sealed by one-goal margins, including comeback wins against Leeds United, Brighton and Chelsea that have defied expectation.

Villa’s defensive solidity has provided the foundation for their challenge, with Emery’s side conceding just 19 goals in 18 matches this season.

Emery has bested former club Arsenal twice in his last two visits to the Emirates, dealing significant blows to the Gunners’ previous title aspirations.

A third successive victory in north London would cement Villa’s credentials as genuine contenders, and they’ve been further boosted by reports that Delcan Rice will miss tonight’s showdown through injury.

Off the field, reports suggest that Villa want to bolster their squad, and they’ve now entered the fray to sign a stellar centre-half from abroad.

Aston Villa join Man United in race for Tarik Muharemovic

According to Italian news outlet Gazzetta Di Modena, Aston Villa have joined the race to sign Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic, with the Premier League title challengers him ahead of a potential summer move.

The 22-year-old has attracted widespread attention across Europe following a string of impressive performances in Serie A, with Villa now competing against English rivals and Italian giants for his signature.

Gazzetta di Modena reports that Villa are amongst three Premier League clubs tracking Muharemovic, alongside Bournemouth and Man United.

The Red Devils dispatched scouts to watch the Bosnian defender in action at the Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna last Sunday, where he delivered another accomplished display and scored his second goal of the campaign.

Muharemovic possesses the characteristics of a ‘modern’ defender that appeal to Premier League clubs, as well as an ‘unusual’ charisma for his age and a profile that is ‘perfect’ for the Premier League.

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Bournemouth’s interest stems partly from their successful experience with Dean Huijsen, another defender developed through Juventus’ youth system.

The Cherries signed Huijsen for over £20m before selling him to Real Madrid 12 months later for around treble the price.

However, Inter Milan and Juventus remain frontrunners for Muharemovic’s services.

The Old Lady hold a 50 per cent sell-on clause from his previous departure, which could provide leverage in talks.

Juve are considering using this clause to reduce the asking price for Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi, valued at £25 million, with Muharemovic potentially included as part of an exchange deal.

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