Finally, Solskjaer A Goner After Watford Humiliation
- Man United send Norwegian packing form Old Trafford
Unable to endure the strings of embarrassing defeats, Manchester United have finally parted ways with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following a humiliating 4-1 loss to Watford on Saturday.
A statement by the club on Sunday said; “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.”
Former Real Madrid coach, Frenchman Zinedine Zidane has been tipped as a possible replacement, though reports in some quarters said Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) boss, Mauricio Pochettino is the club’s top target to take over as permanent replacement next summer. Also, Ajax Amsterdam head coach Erik ten Hag is understood to be United’s second choice.
For now, former United midfielder, Michael Carrick has been placed in temporary charge with United seeking to make an interim appointment until the end of this season.
In the last few weeks, Manchester United, under Solskjaer’s tutelage, suffered a 5-0 trouncing by Liverpool at Old Trafford; lost 2-0 to Manchester City; beat Tottenham 3-0; and secured a Champions League draw with Atalanta.
Disappointedly, the Red Devils are currently placed eighth on the table with 17 points from 12 matches after the Watford defeat.
The Norwegian leaves Old Trafford after failing to win a trophy in nearly three years as manager. He signed a new three-year deal in July but leaves after overseeing five defeats in their last seven Premier League matches – a run that sees them 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.
The Old Trafford hierarchy had ignored increasingly vociferous calls to relieve Solskjaer of his duties in the wake of a humiliating 5-0 loss to rivals Liverpool and a 2-0 derby defeat to Manchester City in early November.
But his position was discussed by United officials on Saturday evening following the crushing defeat at Vicarage Road before the announcement of his dismissal followed on Sunday morning. – With Goal.com reports
