Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Leaves Manchester United After Watford Defeat
Manchester United announced that club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager following an embarrassing 4-1 defeat against Watford at Road.
United confirmed Solskjaer’s assistant Michael Carrick will be placed in temporary charge, with the club looking to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season.
Solskjaer signed a new three-year deal in July but leaves after overseeing five defeats in their last seven Premier League matches – a run which sees them 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.
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“Manchester United can confirm that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager,” Manchester United said in a statement. “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.”
Solskjaer was booed by a number of the United fans in the away end at full time at Watford, although midfielder Bruno Fernandes appeared to try to redirect their frustration towards the players.
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Former United striker Solskjaer returned to the club initially as caretaker manager after the dismissal of Jose Mourinho in December 2018 and immediately produced an upturn in United’s form – including the 3-1 win at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
However, Solskjaer was unable to lead United into the top four of the Premier League that season, but achieved third and second-place finishes in his two full seasons in charge. Solskjaer’s failure to deliver silverware during his tenure, with the defeat on penalties to Villarreal in last season’s Europa League final, were also considered.
Chidi Nwoke/Manchester United.
