PREMIER LEAGUE: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked as Manchester United manager, the club have confirmed.
Solskjaer, who had been at the helm at Old Trafford since December 2018, parts company with the club following their 4-1 defeat by Watford on Saturday.
The 48-year-old signed a new three-year contract in July but has endured a disappointing season, with the defeat at Vicarage Road their fifth in seven Premier League matches.
A statement on the club’s official website read: “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.”
Solskjaer enjoyed a glittering playing career as a striker for Man Utd winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and one UEFA Champions League after scoring the winning goal in the 1999 final.
The Norwegian was invited to take over as caretaker manager in December 2018 following the departure of Jose Mourinho.
He was confirmed as Mourinho’s successor the following March having led United to 14 wins in his first 19 matches in charge.United came third in Solskjaer’s first full season as manager and finished runners-up in the following campaign, but the 2021/22 season has not gone to plan, despite some high-profile summer signings.
The 13-time champions have taken four points from their last 21 in the league, where they lie seventh, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea, their next top-flight opponents.
First-team coach Carrick will take charge of Man Utd’s next match, a trip to Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League, on Tuesday.
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