Why Manchester United snubbed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney eyes a return to management - Paper Round
Updated 13/01/2026 at 07:51 GMT
React to this story
Tuesday's Paper Round leads on Manchester United, who are set to name Michael Carrick over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as their interim head coach. Elsewhere, Tottenham have stolen a march on Aston Villa in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, West Ham do not want to lose Lucas Paqueta, and Wayne Rooney is keen on a return to management.
'You can feel it on everybody' - Man Utd 'frustration' and 'resignation' after Brighton defeat
Video credit: TNT Sports
Some senior figures at Manchester United were fearful a return to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would prove to be a step backwards for the club, who are expected to name Michael Carrick as their interim head coach until the end of the season this week.
Solskjaer had previously taken interim charge before being handed the permanent role at Old Trafford, and though he would be a popular pick the club are wary of hiring someone who has previously been sacked by United.
The i Paper adds: "In the eyes of Ineos’ power brokers, the fact Solskjaer has had one managerial job in over four years since leaving Old Trafford, a disappointing short spell in Turkey with Besiktas, is not the kind of experience needed to steady a sinking ship.
"Solskjaer’s long-term ambitions concerned some, The i Paper has learned. Carrick is fully aware this is a role until the end of the season, with a permanent candidate to be lined up and appointed in the summer.
"Had Solskjaer been given the interim role, however, it is understood the 52-year-old harboured ambitions to be given another crack at the job full-time, should his temporary stint have gone well."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/01/12/image-ad9e89ad-5811-458d-bfcd-2b16218ad848.jpeg)
Former Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick is set to be named as interim boss of Manchester United
Image credit: Getty Images
Spurs hijack Villa's Gallagher move
It has widely been reported that Tottenham are close to agreeing a deal with Atletico Madrid for Conor Gallagher, who had appeared set to join Aston Villa on an initial loan deal.
Spurs are prepared to pay ÂŁ35 million for the midfielder, with Gallagher eager to return to England having joined Atletico from Chelsea in 2024.
The Telegraph writes: "The 25-year-old has mostly been a substitute in recent weeks for Atletico, starting only two of the last seven matches in all competitions. He was a key player in his first season under Diego Simeone, making 50 appearances.
"Spurs are long-term admirers of Gallagher and wanted to sign him from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, but were never quoted a price less than ÂŁ45m by their London rivals.
"Gallagher has made 22 appearances for England but has played only one game for his country since 2024. A move back to the Premier League could help his international ambitions in the countdown to the World Cup this summer.
"The approach by Spurs comes after midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was ruled out for three months because of a hamstring injury he suffered against Bournemouth last week."
Paqueta Brazil bound
West Ham are determined not to lose Lucas Paqueta in this January transfer window after it emerged the player wants to return to Brazil and play for former club Flamengo.
The Hammers are yet to receive a bid for Paqueta, with the club reluctant to sell the 28-year-old given they are currently 18th in the Premier League.
The Telegraph adds: "Paqueta has been dealing with a back injury in recent weeks and is understood to have been at West Ham’s training ground on Monday for further treatment. He did not feature in Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Queens Park Rangers.
"Paqueta’s future has been a constant source of speculation and uncertainty in recent years, not least when Aston Villa showed interest in signing him during the summer transfer window.
"The Brazilian memorably responded to Villa’s interest by celebrating a goal for West Ham by pretending to answer a phone, then throwing it away and kissing the badge on his shirt."
- Why Clasico guard of honour provoked fury with Mbappe, Yamal in spotlight
- Barcelona must change 'problem' to win Champions League
Rooney eyes management return
Wayne Rooney still dreams of managing in the Premier League and is said to have been inspired by his brother’s FA Cup success, The Sun reports.
John Rooney led Macclesfield to a shock win over holders Crystal Palace, a game Wayne Rooney watched as a pundit.
A source told The Sun: "Wayne is loving life as a pundit but he hasn’t given up on the idea of managing again one day.
"Seeing his brother’s success first hand only served to underline how much he’d love another tilt at management.
"He was chatting to supporters afterwards and admitted he still has unfinished business. He just has to wait for the right opportunity to come along.
"Wayne still believes he can succeed as a manager and, ultimately, it’s his dream to coach in the Premier League."
-
Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
Advertisement
Advertisement