Carrick running Solskjær close in race to become Manchester United’s interim manager

Solskjær remains the slight favourite for role

Darren Fletcher will oversee Sunday’s FA Cup tie

Michael Carrick has edged closer to Ole Gunnar Solskjær in the bid to become Manchester United interim manager, though the Norwegian is still the slight favourite, the Guardian understands.

Omar Berrada, the chief ­executive, and Jason Wilcox, the ­director of ­football, will not make an ­appointment until interviewing both men face-to-face. With the ­current interim, Darren Fletcher, leading United to a 2-2 draw at Burnleyon Wednesday, the interviews are expected to take place on Thursday and possibly ­Friday, if required.

After the draw at Turf Moor, Fletcher said he will be in charge again for the FA Cup tie against Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Scot said: “They’ve [the executive] informed me they’d like me to take the team for Sunday. There was a feeling that might have been the case from Monday [when Ruben Amorim was sacked], but we wanted to focus on Burnley. But yeah, I’m tasked with leading the team on Sunday, so all my focus and energy goes to that now.”