Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked - LIVE! Updates and reaction as Man United fire manager

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked - LIVE!

Manchester United have sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following a run of heavy defeats, with Saturday’s 4-1 loss away to Watford proving to be his final match in charge.

The Norwegian has been under huge pressure in recent weeks, with defeats to Liverpool and Man City leading to calls from many fans for the club to make the change.

They decided not to do so over the international break, suggesting Solskjaer had the backing of the board despite the poor form.

But the manner of the Watford defeat could not be ignored, with the United hierarchy meeting in the hours following the match to make the decision.

Attention will now turn to appointing Solskjaer’s successor, with Brendan Rodgers and Zinedine Zidane likely to be the early favourites for the job, now that Tottenham have secured the services of Antonio Conte.

Follow all the latest updates and reaction to the sacking with our LIVE blog below...

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked by Man United as shocking Watford display proves one defeat too far

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Key points

• Club statement in full

• Evening Standard analysis

• Gary Neville reaction

• Latest odds on new manager

Patrice Evra shows his support

14:00 , Marc Mayo

13:49 , Marc Mayo

Peter Schmeichel has spoken of his disappointment at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking.

He told Sky Sports: “It’s really sad, I’m really sad. On Ole’s behalf, the football club’s behalf, the fans’ behalf. It’s too many managers we have to dismiss in too short a time.”

13:39 , Marc Mayo

Luis Enrique has responded to reports linking him with the Manchester United job.

The Spain boss is quoted as telling La Sexta “is it April Fool’s Day?” when asked about the job. The national team had promised to discuss a new contract for the coach after the World Cup.

More from Gary Neville

13:28 , Marc Mayo

The United legend said: “Ole can’t complain, he’s been given three years, he’s been backed in the transfer market. David Moyes was given eight months and kicked out, so I don’t think Ole can complain about the time he’s been given and the money he’s been afforded.

“He will be massively disappointed he’s not been able to deliver the performances this season. He expected a lot more, we all expected a lot more and only he, the players, will understand what has gone wrong.

“Why have they gone from progression to falling apart and looking like they’ve never seen each other. The back five and midfield two from yesterday have been together for a number of years. The confidence is shot to pieces, they’re all over the place.

“Ole will reflect with sadness but he can be proud of the work he did in the first two years. He rebuilt the soul of the club, the club was in a dark place at the end of the Jose Mourinho era.

“There were some players who were there who were in it for the money and who were mercenary, the players now are good lads and good players who need to sort themselves out. They’ll get battered on live television in front of the whole country next weekend if they don’t sort themselves out.”

Rashford’s response

13:17 , Marc Mayo

Latest Odds

12:57 , Marc Mayo

Here’s how the current bookies favourites are stacking up, via Betfair.

Zinedine Zidane - 21/10

Michael Carrick - 3/1

Brendan Rodgers - 5/1

Erik ten Hag - 7/1

Ralf Rangnick - 15/2

Spooky

12:42 , Marc Mayo

What happens next?

12:26 , Marc Mayo

Michael Carrick will take charge of the Champions League trip to Villarreal on Tuesday and potentially the subsequent visit to Chelsea.

United have confirmed that they are NOT looking to appoint a permanent boss immediately.Instead, they are seeking an interim coach to see out the season.

12:16 , Marc Mayo

Gary Neville has his say

12:09 , Marc Mayo

11:59 , Marc Mayo

Spain boss Luis Enrique is Cristiano Ronaldo’s preference for the manager’s job, according to Sky Sports.

As Barcelona coach, the ex-midfielder went toe to toe with Ronaldo in LaLiga and will reportedly be considered by United chiefs.

11:51 , Marc Mayo

Manchester United’s stars became frustrated with Solskjaer and his backroom staff’s inability to help improve their game.

An ESPN report outlines the disillusionment felt across the squad at the training methods put in place, with the manager reportedly rejecting the opportunity to bring in fresh staff members.

However, Michael Carrick will take charge of the first-team on a caretaker basis with the backroom staff said to be going nowhere...

11:40 , Marc Mayo

Manchester United players openly challenged Solskjaer on his tactics ahead after the 4-2 defeat to Leicester, according to the Telegraph.

A “frank exchange of views” indicated a loss of trust, it is said, with Eric Bailly reportedly angry at Harry Maguire being picked for the defeat having previously been injured.

Donny van de Beek, Jesse Lingard and Nemanja Matic’s continued absence was also pulled up by the players.

11:33 , Marc Mayo

Michael Owen is concerned Zinedine Zidane would not be the right fit for Manchester United, due to his lack of fluent English.

The ex-striker wrote: “It has to be the worst possible time for United to be looking for a new manager. Early in the season with hardly any top managers available.

“The only obvious one available is Zidane but the language barrier is surely a huge issue. An interim manager looks likely - again.”

11:25 , Marc Mayo

How did Solskjaer stack up against his predecessors?

The Norwegian departs with just a 54.2 per cent win-rate, the second-best of the four managers United have had since Alex Ferguson’s departure.

Jose Mourinho won 58 per cent of his games while David Moyes finished with a 52.9 per cent ratio and Louis van Gaal won 52.4 per cent of his games.

However, Solskjaer did start with a rapid 14 wins from 19 games - while interim manager.

Backroom staff update

11:15 , Marc Mayo

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, assistant coaches Mike Phelan and Kieran McKenna will remain at the club for the time being.

They are set to form part of Michael Carrick’s staff for Tuesday’s game with Villarreal while the club searches for an interim boss.

11:07 , Marc Mayo

Gary Neville has his say on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, having very much stuck to his guns over his former teammate’s job situation.

11:00 , Marc Mayo

Well, they are looking for an interim...

10:55 , Marc Mayo

It’s worth remembering that there are still mountains of respect for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford, despite his exit. One of his feats appears to have been saving his legacy despite the poor results.

James Robson’s Report

10:49 , Marc Mayo

Read how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was removed after late-night talks and an Ed Woodward admission after yesterday’s defeat.

Club Statement In Full

10:41 , Marc Mayo

Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager.

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.

Good morning...

10:40 , Marc Mayo

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been SACKED by Manchester United.

We’ll be bringing you all the reaction and talk of his replacement as we get it.