Man Utd Must Return to Solskjaer and Fletcher Roots

Manchester United should look to old boys like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Darren Fletcher to heal the wounds left by the failed Ruben Amorim regime.

Manchester United’s Struggle Under Amorim

Manchester United’s recent gamble on Ruben Amorim exposed the difficulties elite coaches face within the club’s rigid INEOS-controlled system. Appointed as ‘head coach’ rather than ‘manager,’ Amorim quickly became frustrated by his lack of authority, both on transfers and tactics. Despite being warned by the likes of Thomas Tuchel, who refused the role due to restricted control, Amorim still expected more autonomy. When director of football Jason Wilcox suggested tactical changes amid poor results, Amorim’s reaction was explosive, leading to his eventual departure.

The INEOS Paradox: Deterring Top Talent

The INEOS regime, determined to dictate the club’s structure and reduce spending, is making Manchester United an unattractive destination for elite managers. The system has already discouraged big names like Unai Emery and Oliver Glasner and, as history shows, can quickly become unsustainable. Erik ten Hag’s own insistence on transfer control put him at odds with United’s hierarchy, resulting in a short-lived tenure.

Only Insiders Truly Understand United

INEOS’s hands-on approach means that only those steeped in United’s traditions can succeed. As Phil Jones noted, “the United shirt is heavy to wear.” Even experienced managers such as Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho struggled to appreciate the pressures unique to Old Trafford. Both Ten Hag and Amorim arrived with stellar reputations but were soon overwhelmed by the relentless scrutiny and expectations, often intensified by former players like Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.

Solskjaer and Fletcher: The Right Fit for United

Solskjaer, Fletcher, and Michael Carrick are uniquely positioned to restore stability. Their deep understanding of United’s culture means they require no orientation and are better equipped to manage the media frenzy. Solskjaer, in his tenure, focused on positive motivation rather than public criticism, achieving back-to-back top-four finishes and bringing the club close to European silverware.

Restoring Old Trafford’s Spirit

Solskjaer knew the importance of lifting morale, never undermining players or the club’s academy. The atmosphere at Old Trafford was most vibrant under his management, with fans sensing a genuine connection to the club’s identity. Darren Fletcher, now stepping in as interim head coach, also boasts a long association with United, both as a player and a coach, and understands the squad and academy intimately.

Financial and Cultural Imperatives

INEOS must recognize the financial and cultural benefits of hiring from within. The club has wasted over £42 million on failed appointments in just over a year, contributing to a record £1.29 billion debt. In contrast, Solskjaer and Fletcher are motivated by loyalty, not money, and are more likely to collaborate with the current football directors.

Back to Manchester United Roots

The answer for Manchester United is not another expensive, high-profile recruitment, but a return to its roots. By reappointing figures like Solskjaer or giving Fletcher or Carrick greater responsibility, United can restore the club’s identity and navigate the challenging INEOS structure. This approach also makes sense financially and emotionally, as fan sentiment has been battered by increased ticket prices and mass redundancies.

For more news and in-depth analysis, visit our for more news.

Opinion: A Return to What Makes United Special

Ultimately, Manchester United’s soul has always come from within. Outsiders often misjudge the weight of expectation and culture at Old Trafford, but club legends understand that wearing the shirt means more than just results. Embracing this identity is the only way forward. After years of failed experiments and mounting debts, turning to trusted figures like Solskjaer, Fletcher, or Carrick may be the wisest—and most United—move the club can make.