Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken out in support of Michael Carrick, urging fans to give the Manchester United manager time and back him despite growing calls for his dismissal.
Carrick’s position has reportedly come under pressure after a difficult start, with sections of the fanbase already questioning whether he is the right man to lead the club on a permanent basis.
However, Solskjaer has offered a very different view.
The former Manchester United manager explained that he and Carrick were both considered for the temporary role, but he has no bitterness about the decision to appoint Carrick.
“No hard feelings whatsoever. We were both in the running for the temporary job, and Michael got it because he’s a fantastic young manager.”
Solskjaer also questioned why some supporters are already demanding Carrick’s departure, particularly when considering the situation he inherited.
According to Solskjaer, Carrick deserves considerable credit for taking charge of a team that had finished 15th the previous season and helping them compete near the top of the table.
“I’m genuinely confused to see so many of our fans already calling for his head,” Solskjaer said.
“The guy took over a team that finished 15th last season and very nearly turned them into title contenders.”
For Solskjaer, that turnaround should carry significant weight when Carrick’s work is being assessed.
He believes the manager has already shown enough to justify being given the opportunity to continue in the permanent position rather than being judged solely on a difficult period.
“He has more than earned the permanent job,” Solskjaer added.
“I really hope the fans get behind him and stick with him.”
Carrick is no stranger to Manchester United, having spent several years at the club as a player before later joining the coaching staff. He also previously stepped into the managerial role on an interim basis following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure.
That experience means he understands the pressure that comes with managing United, where results are often accompanied by intense scrutiny from supporters and the media.
The latest comments from Solskjaer are particularly interesting because of their history. The two men were reportedly considered for the same temporary position, yet Solskjaer has made it clear that he does not view Carrick’s appointment as something to hold against him.
Instead, he has chosen to publicly defend his former colleague.
Whether Carrick can eventually silence the criticism will ultimately depend on results and performances on the pitch. But Solskjaer’s message is clear: he believes the manager has already demonstrated enough to deserve patience and continued support.
With pressure continuing to build around Carrick, the backing of a former United manager could prove significant as he attempts to establish himself at Old Trafford.
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