Manchester United fire Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the Watford loss
The Norwegian had been pressured after a series of poor results.
Manchester United have fired their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after losing 4-1 to Watford on Saturday.
The trip to Vicarage Road was the first match played since the international break and Solskjaer hoped for an improvement when he entered the match with a record of a win in his previous six league matches.
It was seven when United went down to a loss to Watford that could have been worse if the home side had made an early penalty, and things got worse when captain Harry Maguire was sent off in the second half.
United are now seventh, 12 points behind league leader Chelsea.
Manchester United can confirm that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager.
Thanks for everything, Ole ❤️#MUFC
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) 21 November 2021
The club has placed first team coach Michael Carrick as caretaker ahead of the team’s Champions League away match in Villarreal on Tuesday.
“It is with regret that we have made this difficult decision,” United said in a statement.
“Although the last few weeks have been disappointing, they should not obscure all the work he has done in the last three years to rebuild the foundation for long-term success.
“Ole leaves with our sincere thanks for his tireless efforts as a manager and our very best wishes for the future.
“His place in the club’s history will always be secure, not only for his history as a player, but as a great man and a manager who gave us many fantastic moments. He will forever be welcome back at Old Trafford as part of Manchester United Family.
“Michael Carrick will now take care of the team for future matches, while the club looks to appoint a temporary manager until the end of the season.”
United appointed Solskjaer as Jose Mourinho’s replacement in 2018, and he got a full-time contract in March 2019. He signed new terms in July to keep him at the club until 2024, and it is believed that this entitles him to a payment of £ 7.5. million.