Solskjaer: I have unfinished business at Manchester United, you don't see the devil in Carrick

Former Manchester United manager and club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has claimed he has unfinished business at Old Trafford. The Norwegian was dismissed in November 2021, and his former teammate Michael Carrick is now widely expected to be relieved of his duties during the upcoming international break later this month.

Solskjaer, however, threw his support behind Carrick, insisting he has everything required to lead the Red Devils.

"Michael has what it takes to drive this club forward. You might not see the devil in him, but it is there inside him, just like it is in me. We are so alike in that way. He is the right man. He understands the club, he understands the fans, and he knows what is needed.

"Perhaps very few expected me to become a manager, and certainly not the manager of Manchester United. There were probably just as many who thought the same about Michael Carrick.

"I feel like I have unfinished business. Of course, it would be lovely to have the chance to lead the team again. If Michael does well for ten years and steps aside, and they ask me to take over for two months, of course I wouldn't say no. I spent 18 or 19 years at the club, so it is part of my family. But it's not something on my mind right now. I miss it, yes. I could have pictured staying there forever, but life moves on. It was a very special period," Solskjaer said.

The 53-year-old Norwegian held discussions with United's hierarchy before Carrick was named interim manager in January. Carrick impressed in the early months of his tenure and was rewarded with a two-year permanent contract in May.

Solskjaer explained: "Neither of us was desperate to get the job at all costs. We probably would have accepted if asked. At the time, an interim role until the end of the season was under consideration. When I spoke to United, I spoke highly of Michael as well. I told them, 'If you choose him, you are getting a top-quality person.' He did the same for me. I had a pleasant conversation with Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada. We didn't discuss contract length or anything like that. I offered my help if needed, without attaching any conditions. I shared my thoughts on what the club needed to move forward. It was just a brief chat—there were no negotiations. Going back to the past isn't always the right thing. Yes, I had set things up, but I didn't see it lasting beyond the summer. It was probably time for someone else to have a go."