Man Utd 'interview' Rudi Garcia over taking up manager role on interim basis

Manchester United have reportedly interviewed Rudi Garcia about becoming the club's interim manager.

The Red Devils are on the lookout for a new coach following the decision to dismiss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the end of last week.

Solskjaer, who had been in charge for almost three years, was relieved of his duties amid a miserable run of form which has seen United win just four Premier League points from a possible 21.

An official club statement confirmed that Solskjaer's assistant Michael Carrick would take over in the immediate aftermath, before a stop-gap is hired until the end of the season.

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According to various reports, that plan has been put into place in order to have a chance of landing some of their top candidates who would be reluctant to take over midseason.

Mauricio Pochettino, Erik ten Hag and Brendan Rodgers are all names under consideration to become the club's next permanent manager, but all three are currently under employment elsewhere.

Ernesto Valverde is said to be leading the race to be named boss for the remainder of the season, with the former Barcelona boss having held initial talks with Old Trafford bosses.

And now National News report that Garcia has also been interviewed with United conducting a thorough process even for the temporary role.

Garcia, 57, was most recently head coach at Lyon where he guided the French club to the Champions League semi finals in 2020.

Lyon managed to overcome Manchester City in the quarters in a game where Pep Guardiola was said to be tactically outwitted.

Carrick got his stint as the 'interim interim manager' off to the perfect start on Tuesday, with United beating Villarreal to book their place in the Champions League last-16.

The former midfielder has already said he is happy to take on the responsibility of being head coach for as long as the club deems it necessary.

The Times suggest that him being in charge for a longer period of time hasn't been ruled out definitively, particularly if Carrick can bring about a sharp upturn in performances and results.

Speaking after the 2-0 victory in Spain, he spoke of his delight at the reaction of his players to what has been a tumultuous week.

"Probably the biggest thing was how everyone adapted and the reaction and how everyone pulled together," he said.

"In situations like this, where there are mixed emotions and we find ourselves like this, it tests people, you find out the real characters, who is there with you and who's not.

"I thought everyone stuck together fantastically well. We managed to get the win, which is very pleasing because it was a big one."