Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick to take charge as interim manager for upcoming games

Manchester United on Sunday confirmed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as the manager of the Premier League club. The Norwegian football manager was under tremendous pressure after United fell to an embarrassing 1-4 defeat at Watford in their league game on Saturday.

While British media reported that the decision to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was taken after an emergency board meeting on Saturday, Manchester United made it official on Sunday.

“Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager,” United said in a statement, hinting it was a mutual decision between the club and the Norwegian manager.

17 – Manchester United have won just 17 points in their opening 12 league games this season; their second-worst start to a Premier League campaign, ahead of only 2019-20 when they had 16 points under Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Theme. pic.twitter.com/EwgDgAgzXX

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 21, 2021

Manchester United were hammered 1-4 by Watford at the Vicarage Road. Notably, Solskjaer got the backing of the owners despite their humbling defeat to Liverpool earlier this season. The international break was expected to bring about a change in fortunes but it went from bad to worse for Solskjaer and United.

The horrid capitulation at Watford was a fourth defeat in five league games for United who have shipped 15 goals in that period and are in seventh place with 17 points — 12 behind leaders Chelsea who they face away from home next week.

“Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision. 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,” the statement further said.

“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,” the statement added.

Notably, United, who finished 2nd last season, got the likes of Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane at the summer transfer window as Solskjaer was handed a contract extension that would have kept him at the club till 2024.

Michael Carrick to be Manchester United interim manager

“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,” United said.

Meanwhile, Solskjaer, who seemed to apologise to the away fans at Watford after the embarrassing defeat, said on Saturday that he believed he can still turn it around at United.

I always have belief in myself but of course at the moment it is a difficult time for us. I can see, and I trust that all the players and staff give all that they have but the results are difficult. But I believe I can turn this around,” Solskjaer said.