Manchester United have confirmed the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following their 4-1 defeat to Watford on Saturday. The Red Devils were played off the pitch at Vicarage Road. And the 48-year-old has now lost his job in the aftermath.
Manchester United are currently on a run of seven defeats from their last 13 matches across all competitions, with the loss to Watford on Saturday a new low.
The Red Devils lost 4-1 at Vicarage Road, with the performance of Donny van de Beek the sole shining light.
And, in a statement, United have now confirmed the departure of Solskjaer – wishing him well for the future and insisting he will always be a club legend.
“Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as Manager,” it said.
“Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision.
THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz
“While the past few weeks have been disappointing, they should not obscure all the work he has done over the past three years to rebuild the foundations for long-term success.
“Ole leaves with our sincerest thanks for his tireless efforts as Manager and our very best wishes for the future.
“His place in the club’s history will always be secure, not just for his story as a player, but as a great man and a Manager who gave us many great moments.
“He will forever be welcome back at Old Trafford as part of the Manchester United family.
“Michael Carrick will now take charge of the team for forthcoming games, while the club looks to appoint an interim Manager to the end of the season.”
DON’T MISS
Zidane conflicted over Man Utd job
Arteta has nine undroppables after Arsenal beat Leicester
Messi hits back at Barcelona over playing for free
United have reached the decision to axe Solskjaer despite the 48-year-old insisting after Saturday’s defeat he was the right man for the job.
“I always have belief in myself,” he said.
“But at the moment it’s a difficult time for us.
“I can trust every single one of there to give what they have, but the results are difficult.
“I believe we can turn this round. I understand the fans, who have supported the club through thick and thin, and have been great over the last few years.
“It’s a difficult period, we have had a hard time since Sir Alex left, and the fans who have been here – since I came in – have been unbelievable.
“They understood the situation, the signings this summer raised expectations, rightly so, because we brought some top players in and having been second last year we hoped to kick on.
“At the moment, we can’t seem to find our form, and it’s their right to show their opinion.”
Solskjaer is the fourth United boss to lose his job in the years since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have all paid the price for failing to meet expectations and, now, the club’s former striker is no different.
David De Gea defended Solskjaer after the defeat to Watford, insisting the players must take responsibility for the club’s poor form as well.
“It was embarrassing, the way we played today,” De Gea told BBC Sport. “The first half was very poor – it’s not acceptable for this club and the level of players that we have.
“It’s another nightmare. There’s been some difficulties but I don’t really know what to say.
“I have been in difficult moments with this club but we are in a difficult situation – we don’t know what to do with the ball, we are conceding a lot of goals. It’s a horrible moment.
“It’s easy to say the manager and staff but the ones who are on the pitch are the players and they’re the ones who have to score goals and fight on the pitch.
“We need to look at ourselves one by one and give more for the club and the fans. It’s difficult to say why there was a performance like this – I don’t know what to say.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.