Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suggested that he would be open to a return as Manchester United manager after admitting he has “something unresolved” at the club.

It comes as pressure piles on current head coach Michael Carrick after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, which left United hovering above the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference.

Carrick’s future was in serious peril last week as United’s hierarchy met at Carrington to discuss next steps, but the decision was made to keep the former Red Devils midfielder in charge for the trip to Stamford Bridge. He is not expected to be sacked before Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Roma.

But with Carrick seemingly requiring an almighty turnaround to stay in the Old Trafford dugout, former boss Solskjaer has expressed a cautious interest in retaking the reins at United, having been pipped to the position of Ruben Amorim’s successor after interviewing for the interim role earlier in the year.

“Going back to what has been is not always as good,” he told Norwegian outlet TV2.

“Yes, I had lined up [as Manchester United's interim manager after Amorim’s sacking], but I didn't think it would last longer than the summer. It was probably time for someone else to try.

“I also feel like I have something unresolved. Of course it would have been nice to have the opportunity again.”

The Norwegian’s three-year stint between 2018 and 2021 mirrored Carrick’s path at United, brought in as an interim manager before impressing enough to earn a permanent contract, only for performances to dip again after that initial honeymoon period.

Solsjkaer also had Carrick in his backroom staff during his reign, with Carrick then becoming United’s caretaker manager for three games at the tail-end of 2021 after Solskjaer’s dismissal.

Solsjkaer added that he was not intending to oust his former colleague from the United hot seat, stressing that his aforementioned desired return could come after a long and fruitful tenure for Carrick.

“If Michael does well for 10 years and decides to quit, and they ask me if I can take them for two months, of course I wouldn't say no,” he said. “I've been at that club for 18-19 years, so it's part of the family. But it's not something I'm thinking about.

“Michael has what it takes to take that club forward. I think he's the right man. He understands the club, understands the fans and knows what's needed.”