Manchester United sack Ole

Manchester United have confirmed the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Michael Carrick chosen to take over as interim manager until the end of the season.

United had originally earmarked technical director Darren Fletcher to take temporary charge but have decided to install Carrick for the rest of the campaign.

In a statement, the club said: “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.

“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.”

The Norwegian has been dismissed after United’s 4-1 hammering against Watford on Saturday. The defeat at Vicarage Road left United with just one win in their last seven Premier League games.

Solskjaer was appointed United manager on an interim basis in December 2018 after the dismissal of Jose Mourinho. United’s form instantly improved under him, with the miraculous Champions League victory away to Paris Saint-Germain helping him get the job on a permanent basis.

The high profile signings of Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo were expected to help United close the ground on Premier League champions City, but their dismal start to the season already looks to have extinguished hopes of them ending their wait for league glory.

United will now focus on bringing in a new manager. As pressure has mounted on Solskjaer in recent weeks, the likes of Brendan Rodgers, Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax’s Erik Ten Hag have all been named as potential successors.

Manchester United sack Ole

All three appear intent on finishing the season with their current employers, which may prompt United to appoint another manager on a temporary basis.

Antonio Conte was strongly linked with the job in the wake of the Liverpool defeat but was appointed new Tottenham manager after United beat them 3-0 in their next game. Zinedine Zidane has also been named as a possible candidate for the role but is reportedly keen to wait for the right offer before making his return to management.