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      Man Utd players at all-time low with Solskjaer axe feeling like a bereavement – Carrick has tough task lifting them

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      HAVE NO DOUBT – it is going to take one Herculean effort from Michael Carrick to lift the Manchester United players for the trip to Villarreal.A very dark cloud hangs over the club and the players are feeling it.
      Michael Carrick has been appointed as Manchester United’s interim manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departureCredit: Rex
      Solskjaer was sacked after the Red Devils lost 4-1 against Watford at Vicarage Road on SaturdayCredit: Reuters
      This is unlike the departure of the last three Old Trafford managers.
      The players wanted David Moyes out and celebrated Ryan Giggs taking temporary charge.
      Louis van Gaal was popular with many of the players but they felt shackled by his tactics and were bored senseless by his endless repetitive training techniques and video analysis.
      In the end they just stopped looking at the private videos they were sent about their individual performances.
      While Jose Mourinho had a good first two years and could really motivate the players the toxic end left everyone at the club from top to bottom relieved to see the back of him.
      This is very different. This feels like a bereavement.
      This is Ole.
      This is Man United royalty.
      The baby-faced assassin who plundered the most famous goal in the club’s history.

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      A man who even in the darkest times, still spoke up for his players, still gave a positive front, still smiled, still clapped and waved.
      There were no tears amongst club staff when the previous three managers went, there were plenty over this weekend.
      Many managers when they are coming to the end start thrashing around and pointing fingers.
      The media nearly always gets a mouth full.
      Carrick’s first game in charge of United will come against Villarreal in the Champions League on TuesdayCredit: AFP
      Solskjaer picked up just four points from his last seven Premier League fixturesCredit: PA
      Not with Solskjaer. He remained a gentleman to the very end.
      Never once did he lose his cool in a press conference. Even when he came close a couple of times he was smiling again within seconds.
      How many managers have ever sat down and done a lengthy interview with the club’s own TV channel after they have been fired.
      The pain and emotion in his voice during that was there for all to see.
      The image of him getting out his car to hug a fan on his final drive away from Carrington said it all.
      Indeed the dressing room after the Watford game told you everything about how the players felt.
      You might have expected shouting and screaming. It was just silent, sorrowful.
      Solskjaer spoke as if he knew what was coming, as if he was saying goodbye.
      Solskjaer hugged a fan outside Carrington on Sunday after being relieved of his dutiesCredit: PA
      He told the players he still believed in them.
      He instructed them to make those same fans who were so angry at the final whistle at Vicarage Road, happy in the next game against Villarreal.
      A game he knew he would not be taking charge of.
      There is always talk of a ‘bounce’ amongst players when a manager goes.
      There is more bounce in a burst balloon than at United right now.
      The players are genuinely at an all-time low.
      They are baffled as to what to do.
      Some of them fear they have hit some sort of mental block.
      Carrick spent 12 years at Old Trafford as a player, where he scored 24 goals in 464 gamesCredit: EPA
      Can Carrick, Mike Phelan and Kieran McKenna change that on Tuesday, after all they have been the voices trying to change things for the last three months.
      While Villarreal are hardly pulling up trees right now as they stand mid-table in La Liga they have won two and drawn one of their last three games played.
      They were very unlucky to lose to a last minute goal from Cristiano Ronaldo in the Group F game at Old Trafford having lead 1-0 at the break largely out playing United.
      As the group stands the two teams are level on seven points with Atalanta on five and Youngs Boys still with the three from beating United in game one.
      Were Villarreal to beat United and Atalanta beat Young Boys then United are third.
      While United would be expected to beat Young Boys in their final game, a victory for Atalanta against Villarreal and then the abacus is out.
      Goal difference in the head to head games between United and Villarreal will be the first deciding factor as each will have won a game against each other.
      So the expected qualifying mark of ten points may not be enough.
      United sit eighth in the Premier League table after 12 games playedCredit: Reuters
      Win tomorrow however and United are through to the next stage for even if they were to lose their final game to Young Boys they are guaranteed at least second spot as their head to head results over Villarreal will be better.
      That then offers the new boss the extra incentive of Champions League knockout football come February.
      There is so much on it but is in the hands of someone with no managerial experience.
      Carrick is a good man who served United well playing 464 games over 12 seasons winning five titles and the Champions League.
      He could never have imagined, however, that he would be stood in a Manchester United jacket in the technical area as the club’s boss.
      Tasked with trying to pit his wits against a wily campaigner in Unai Emery, ten years his senior at 50 and someone who has been a manager now for 16 years with eight different clubs.
      United have better players, but as we have seen this season, other teams have had better managers and that has made a big difference.
      Carrick will be positive in his press conference about what the players can achieve in Spain tomorrow night.

      He will send out the message the fans will have wanted to hear.
      There of course will be that sense among the players of ‘do it for Ole’.
      It’s just a shame they did not do it for Ole these past three months.
      ⚽ Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
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      Man Utd sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer completes bizarre cycle involving fellow doomed bosses Dean Smith and Nuno

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER’S sacking at Manchester United has completed a bizarre cycle of axed managers including Nuno Espirito Santo and Dean Smith.The Norwegian gaffer was relieved of his duties on Sunday following the 4-1 loss against Watford at Vicarage Road.
      Manchester United sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the embarrassing defeat away at WatfordCredit: Getty
      Solskjaer’s last Premier League win for United came against Tottenham, who axed Nuno Espirito Santo afterwardsCredit: EPA
      United picked up just four points from Solskjaer’s last seven Premier League games to leave them eighth in the table.
      His last win in the top-flight came away against Tottenham, which saw Santo lose his job as a result of the 3-0 loss.
      Nuno’s last victory in the league was over Aston Villa, while former Villans’ manager Dean Smith, who had his contract terminated earlier this month, beat United for his last victory.
      United are now looking for a new boss, with SunSport exclusively revealing how Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers has been contacted.
      The Red Devils, who sit two points above the Foxes, are prepared to pay Rodgers’ £8million compensation fee.
      That is on top of the £7.5m they will have to hand over to Solskjaer as part of his severance package.
      Dean Smith’s last Premier League win for Aston Villa was against the Red DevilsCredit: EPA

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      United have named assistant Michael Carrick as caretaker while they finalise a replacement for Solskjaer.
      It has also been claimed how Mauricio Pochettino would be prepared to leave Paris Saint-Germain to take charge of United.
      The Daily Mail state how the 49-year-old is unhappy in France, despite Les Parisiens sitting 11 points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
      Pochettino is said to be struggling to deal with egos in the dressing room, though as of yet, he has not been contacted by United.
      Former Tottenham ace Robbie Keane has declared that his Irish compatriot Roy Keane could ‘sort it out’ at the Theatre of Dreams.
      But Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards insisted he could never take charge as he has criticised a number of the current squad.
      Meanwhile Arsenal icon Sol Campbell believes Steve Bruce should be appointed on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
      Speaking on Premier League Productions, he said: “I think it’s a sticky situation really. Do they stick or move? If they move it’s costing a lot of money.

      “To move Ole on and to bring someone in, it’s a lot of money. I know they’ve got a lot of money to spend but you’ve got to look at the books and you’ve got to look at where they are.
      “Maybe is a Steve Bruce good? For just six months? I don’t know. Who knows?
      “But it’s a real kind of sticky wicket big time, because either they stick or move. Whatever they do, it might be the wrong answer.”
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      Micah Richards explains why Roy Keane is last man who could manage Man Utd to leave Sky Sports pundits in stitches

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      MICAH RICHARDS was left in stitches at the thought of Roy Keane managing Manchester United as he explained why that could never happen.The Red Devils are on the lookout for a new boss after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the 4-1 defeat away at Watford on Saturday.
      Roy Keane couldn’t take charge of this Manchester United team, Micah Richards has claimedCredit: Getty
      Richards has explained how Keane has criticised too many of the Red Devils’ underperforming playersCredit: Getty
      SunSport have exclusively revealed how Leicester gaffer Brendan Rodgers has been contacted by United.
      Sky Sports pundit Richards has declared that United should have appointed Antonio Conte, before the Italian linked up with Tottenham.
      And speaking on Super Sunday, the ex-Manchester City right-back was left baffled after Robbie Keane stated that his Irish compatriot Keane could do a job at Old Trafford.
      He stated that it could never happen as Keane has criticised a number of the current United squad, including Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Fred, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, David De Dea, Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw.
      Asked by presenter Dave Jones who should be the new United boss, Robbie said: “Roy Keane, I’m throwing Roy Keane’s name into the hat. Roy will sort it out.”
      To which Richards quipped: “Give it Keane. Give it Keane till the end of the season.”

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      Chiming in, Jamie Redknapp asked Richards: “Roy Keane and Gary Neville as his assistant.
      “That would be the dream wouldn’t it. Come on, you’d love it, would you go with them?”
      He replied: “No, it wouldn’t be the dream. Probably not at this time. I think Roy Keane would be a great manager.
      “I’m not saying he couldn’t do it. I’m talking about the relationship with the players, he’s slagged off half the dressing room.”
      Redknapp then joked: “That doesn’t matter. I think it was all of the dressing room.”
      Keane isn’t the only United legend that has slammed the squad, with Wayne Rooney hitting out at the group for getting Solskjaer sacked.
      The Derby gaffer stated: “I was so disappointed watching that game on Saturday.
      “As a manager, you know you can set the team up, prepare, shape them but there is no excuse for some of those performances. None at all.

      “I saw players waving their arms around, giving the ball away, blaming other people. It’s not acceptable. I’d be very angry if that was my team doing that if it was my players.
      “When you look at a club like Manchester United it is one, if not the, biggest club. Those players are in a privileged position to play for them.
      “In my opinion with the players they have, they have to show more. I’m not saying they have to win the league or the Champions League, they just have to do more, show the fans they are working and playing for the club.
      “That’s the least you expect as a fan. Results may vary but you have to at least be willing to put the effort in.”
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      Man Utd’s capitulation at Watford will live in infamy as day club legend Solskjaer was betrayed and abandoned by players

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      IT IS a date that will live in infamy.Saturday November 20, when a good man, a club legend was finally abandoned and betrayed by the players he trusted to wear the famous Manchester United shirt.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was massively let down by his own players at Watford once againCredit: EPA
      The likes of Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo started the defeats to Leicester, Liverpool and Manchester City tooCredit: Reuters
      He would constantly tell them how fortunate they were to pull it on and represent the world’s most famous sports team.
      He knew. They clearly did not.
      The 4-1 defeat at Watford on Saturday was the biggest shambles in the club’s modern history.
      A day when the players were happy to see their manager hung out to dry.
      Yes, the boss had his shortcomings, which were clear to see when he was tested at the very highest level.
      Still he deserved better than this — much, much better than this.

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      So when the fans see social media messages from the players apologising, praising and thanking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, one can only imagine the reaction.
      Take this one from skipper @HarryMaguire93 . . . 
      “You signed me for the best club in the world and gave me the biggest honour in football. Huge respect and forever grateful. Thank you for everything boss. Legend.” Probably best he, or perhaps his social media team, does not look at the responses.
      The time for action and not words has come and gone.
      The 4-1 defeat at Watford on Saturday was the biggest shambles in the club’s modern history.
      Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester City and Watford — four shocking performances, four games lost, 15 goals conceded.
      Here are the seven players who started all of them: David de Gea, Victor Lindelof, Maguire, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Seven players who were trusted and trusted again.
      Seven highly-paid players who have been part of the most shameful period Red Devils fans can remember.
      Leicester was a calamitous defensive performance. Liverpool at home the tactics were all wrong but they were outfought and over-powered.
      Against Manchester City, it bordered on embarrassing, their inability to get and keep the ball.
      ‘SHOW SOME RESPECT’
      But Watford were a team who stood a place above the relegation zone having won one of their previous seven games, one who had recently changed their manager again.
      This was a chance to save the boss, even if for the time being.
      At least show you wanted to play for the boss, show some respect.
      There was none of that.
      When the players went to the fans to show their appreciation you started to wince.
      Solskjaer knows what it means to wear the Manchester United shirt, sadly not enough of his players did. He is best off out of it.
      What were they expecting?
      Manchester United fans are some of the most forgiving around. I shake my head in wonder at the standing ovations some players get when they are subbed off.
      It was incredible the way they cheered Solskjaer at half-time in the home Champions League game against Atalanta back on October 20 with the side 2-0 down.
      They would come back and win 3-2.
      But you cannot take the mick out of people’s loyalty.
      FAITHFUL FANS
      These are some of the most loyal around — home, away, Europe, round the world, their every penny earned spent on their club.
      I heard a story about one United fan that is worth repeating to describe some people’s devotion to a club.
      During Covid restrictions, while football continued but fans were not allowed in, he would drive from his home in Manchester to every ground United played at, park outside, listen on the radio and drive home.
      Even to Brighton twice in five days at the start of last season.
      So my guess is he was in the away end at Vicarage Road when the players began to approach the fans.
      If they expected a warm, forgiving reception from their faithful followers they did not get it.
      What they got was one of the most vitriolic reactions these players will ever experience from their own fans.
      BRU ARE YA?
      Who does Fernandes think he is having a go back?
      A player who has done a very clever disappearing act and whose body language suggests it is everyone else’s fault but his.
      It is not going to improve any time soon all this. What do you expect with Solskjaer’s trusted assistant Michael Carrick now at the wheel?
      Good man as well but how is that going to change anything?
      Lose to Villarreal tomorrow and there is every chance they will be heading out of the Champions League at the group stage once again.
      The game against high-flying Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Saturday will be watched painfully through their fingers by the faithful.
      But they will be there, they are always there but to take that for granted, as this group has, is a disgrace.
      Solskjaer knows what it means to wear the Manchester United shirt, sadly not enough of his players did.
      He is best off out of it.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Solskjaer went over to apologise to the faithful Red Devils supportersCredit: Getty
      Michael Carrick will take temporary charge until a new manager is foundCredit: AFP
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      in Soccer

      Zinedine Zidane ‘REJECTS Man Utd again and could take PSG job if Mauricio Pochettino moves to Old Trafford’

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE has rejected Manchester United again, according to reports.And the Frenchman could instead take the Paris Saint-Germain job if Mauricio Pochettino heads to Old Trafford.
      Zinedine Zidane has turned down the chance to take the Manchester United jobCredit: AFP
      Mauricio Pochettino could be the permanent replacement for Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this morning following the 4-1 defeat at Watford.
      Former Real Madrid boss Zidane has been linked with the Old Trafford gig once more.
      But El Partidazo de COPE in Spain report Zidane has ruled himself out of the running because he is not interested.
      Despite Emmanuel Petit claiming his former team-mate is taking English lessons, Zizou’s language is not up to standard just yet.
      Plus his wife Veronique does not want to live in Manchester – instead preferring to extend their sabbatical.
      But ZZ’s next job could be ready-made at the Parc des Princes.

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      Poch is on the shortlist for United and could be willing to switch Paris for Manchester, either soon or at the end of the season.
      According to talkSPORT, Sir Alex Ferguson is leading the charge to bring the ex-Spurs manager to Old Trafford.
      However, club chiefs are also examining their options for a new permanent gaffer, likely to be appointed next summer.
      Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers and Ajax’s Erik ten Hag are on the list but Wayne Rooney and Luis Enrique said they are committed to Derby and Spain respectively.
      Michael Carrick will take charge of first-team affairs after Solskjaer received a £7.5million severance package.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
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      Man Utd should consider Newcastle flop Steve Bruce to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford, claims Sol Campbell

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      MANCHESTER UNITED should consider appointing Steve Bruce to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to Sol Campbell’s bombshell claim. The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new manager after sacking the Norwegian on Sunday morning.
      Steve Bruce should be in the running to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to Sol CampbellCredit: Reuters
      The former Arsenal and England man reckons Bruce could do a job until the end of the seasonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      His dismissal came the morning after his side were dismantled 4-1 at Watford.
      And former Arsenal and England defender Campbell reckons Bruce could be the solution until the end of the season.
      The former Macclesfield and Southend chief, 47, told Premier League Productions: “I think it’s a sticky situation really.
      “Do they stick or move? If they move it’s costing a lot of money.
      “To move Ole on and to bring someone in, it’s a lot of money.
      “I know they’ve got a lot of money to spend but you’ve got to look at the books and you’ve got to look at where they are.

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      “Maybe is a Steve Bruce good? For just six months? I don’t know. Who knows?
      “But it’s a real kind of sticky wicket big time, because either they stick or move. Whatever they do, it might be the wrong answer.”
      Bruce, 60, was sacked by Newcastle’s new owners last month, leaving the Magpies 19th in the Premier League table.
      He received an £8million pay-off and hinted he could retire from management with 1,000 games under his belt.
      Former centre-back Bruce spent nine years as a player at Old Trafford between 1987 and 1996.
      He scored 51 goals in 414 Red Devils matches and lifted 12 trophies, including three Premier League titles.
      But with four promotions from the Championship his only silverware as a manager, appointing another ex-player in Bruce would surely not go down well with United supporters.
      Red Devils record goalscorer Wayne Rooney insisted he would not take over because he is committed to trying to save Derby County.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo’s preferred choice Luis Enrique ruled himself out of the running in emphatic fashion – asking reporters if it was April Fool’s Day because the suggestion he would quit Spain was laughable.
      Zinedine Zidane, Brendan Rodgers, Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino have all been linked with the job – as well as Sevilla’s former Spain and Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui.
      Michael Carrick, 40, will take temporary control in the meantime before a new manager is named, either as an interim boss until the summer or a permanent appointment.
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      Solskjaer sacked LIVE: Man Utd AXE club legend with Zidane and Pochettino sounded out as replacements – lates updates

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has been SACKED by Manchester United. United called an emergency board meeting following the 4-1 humiliation at Vicarage Road.
      Solskjaer said now his goodbyes to his staff and players following the defeat with club chiefs to sack him within 48 hours.
      The club won only once in their last seven matches after the 4-1 defeat at Watford today, and the meeting took place afterwards at 7pm.
      Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has been installed as the current bookies’ favourite to take over at Old Trafford.
      Follow all the latest Man Utd news, transfer and gossip from Old Trafford below…
      PROOF POINT
      Manchester United will live to regret missing out on Antonio Conte, pundit Micah Richards has claimed.
      The Italian was one of the favourites to take over as United officials spent the last few weeks mulling the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      Ex-Manchester City star Richards told Sky Sports: “Antonio Conte is a serial winner.
      “We talk about the Manchester United values, forget the values for just one minute. It is about winning games.
      “You’ve got (Cristiano) Ronaldo, (Paul) Pogba, (Bruno) Fernandes, (Jadon) Sancho and all those players.
      “Something has to give and Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) was not getting the best out of those players.
      “Conte is proven. He is the Tottenham manager now but there was a window where they could have got him. I don’t understand it.”

      DE GEA DISMAY
      David De Gea was among the players paying tribute to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following his dismissal as Manchester United manager.
      United announced they parted ways with Solskjaer after Saturday’s 4-1 thrashing to Watford at Vicarage Road, which marked the final drop after seven losses in 13 games across all competitions.
      De Gea was among the players that expressed their appreciation for the Norwegian head coach’s contribution in the last three years.
      The star goalkeeper described the loss to the Hornets as a “nightmare” last night but now insists Solskjaer always “gave everything” for the Red Devils.
      De Gea tweeted: “You always gave everything and everyone knows you are a legend at [Man Utd].”
      CON SUPPORT
      MMA legend Conor McGregor has paid homage to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after he was sacked as Manchester United boss.
      I want to give a major shout out, and a huge thank you to the living legend that is Ole Gunnar Solskjær! Ole you are forever, Sir! Icon! Inspiration! Hero! Legend!Thank you Ole ❤️ @ManUtd— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 21, 2021

      MAN FOR THE JOB
      Gary Neville reckons Mauricio Pochettino would take over at Manchester United in a heartbeat despite the turmoil at Old Trafford.
      The United legend made the claim after previous boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was finally sacked following a shocking run of results.
      He said on Sky Sports: “I think Mauricio Pochettino – although he’d never say it – he’d leave to come to Man United on a five-year deal tomorrow.
      “He’d look at that group of players, he’d look at the club and he’d realise he’d probably be able to achieve more than he wants at Man United in terms of a project.
      “At PSG you are on season by season. ‘You’ve got to win the Champions League or you’re out’ type of model. I don’t think that suits Pochettino.
      “I think he would absolutely come to Man Utd on a five-year deal, with backing behind him. How he’d fit in with the current coaches who are still there and left, I’m not sure.”
      SWEET SUGAR
      Lord Alan Sugar expressed his delight at Tottenham’s appointment of Antonio Conte while taking a swipe at Arsenal and Manchester United in the process.
      Sugar reckons the Italian could’ve ended up at either United or Arsenal if Spurs didn’t bring him in last week following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal from Old Trafford and the Gunners 4-0 thumping at the hands of Liverpool yesterday.
      Smug Spurs fan Sugar wrote on Twitter: “I am please we got hold on Conte when we did as he would have been grabbed by Man U or Arsenal …..next week.”
      RED FACES
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has blasted naive Manchester United officials forever bothering to appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager.
      The United legend was named caretaker back in 2018 before being given the reins full-time at Old Trafford.
      Things turned sour this season and the under-fire boss was finally given his marching orders after Saturday’s abject 4-1 defeat by Watford.
      And Sky Sports pundit Redknapp was far from impressed with United’s approach while their rivals appointed top-class managers around them.
      He said: “This hasn’t crept up on Man United, I’ve seen this for a long while.
      “When you look at what Liverpool have got – Klopp, Man City – Guardiola, Chelsea – Tuchel, and you’ve got a manager that’s managed at Molde and Cardiff – at one of the biggest clubs in the world, it isn’t right.
      “You’re almost fighting with one hand behind your back in the big occasions and I’ve never really felt he is the right fit.
      “I said at the time, one day it’s going to be like shooting Bambi and that’s what it feels like. This should have happened weeks ago.”
      SOL DESTROYING
      Manchester United have spent a staggering £38million on sacking managers since Sir Alex Ferguson left Old Trafford in 2013.
      The Scot, 79, provided the Red Devils with the ultimate stability during his 27 years at the helm.
      But the Theatre of Dreams has been anything but stable ever since.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer became the latest man to be sacked this morning – receiving a £7.5m payout in the process.
      The Norwegian was handed a new three-year deal in the summer.
      But terms of the contract stipulated that he need only be paid one year’s salary should he be relieved of his duties.
      NO NEED
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer turned down help to upgrade his backroom staff at Manchester United, reports suggest.
      That is according to ESPN, who claim that Solskjaer refused to make changes to his coaching team despite key players complaining that the training was “too British” and unsuited to the requirements of the modern game.
      Reports have now emerged of senior players losing faith in the former manager after last month’s 5-0 loss to Liverpool at Old Trafford.
      A section of the roster found the coaching to be too one-dimensional as it lacked imagination as well as creativity.
      The Red Devils’ hierarchy took those concerns on board and “offered Solskjaer every level of support and told him he could have whatever he needed to put it right.”
      However, the 48-year-old told executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward that he had full faith in his world-class coaching team.
      SOL BAD
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked by Manchester United after a horror run of five defeats in seven games.
      He becomes the FOURTH manager to try – and fail – to replace Sir Alex Ferguson after his retirement in 2013.
      David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho were all sacked in the past eight years, and now Solskjaer joins the gang.
      The bottom line is that he won no trophies, unlike his more recent predecessors
      Mourinho led United to a Europa League and EFL Cup double in 2017, while Van Gaal lifted the FA Cup in 2016 just days before he was sacked.
      However Solskjaer’s win percentage was surprisingly good.
      Solskjaer has the third-highest win percentage of ANY manager in United’s history.
      His record of 91 wins from his 168 games in charge across all competitions is second best in the post-Fergie era – behind only Mourinho.
      The Norwegian achieved a win rate of 54.2 per cent, behind Mourinho’s 58.3 per cent from 144 matches.
      THE RON FOR ME 
      Cristiano Ronaldo wants Luis Enrique to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United, according to reports.
      The Red Devils sacked Solskjaer this morning, following a dismal run of form that culminated in yesterday’s 4-1 defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road.
      United have been strongly linked with a move for Zinedine Zidane, with chiefs reportedly trying to convince the Frenchman to come to Old Trafford.
      According to Sky Sports, however, their biggest name player would rather play under Spain boss Enrique.
      They reckon that despite his old affiliation with Real Madrid legend Zizou, Ronaldo wants United to hire Enrique instead.
      The Red Devils are expected to consider the former Barcelona boss as they hunt for a new manager.

      BLANC CANVAS
      Manchester United could hire Laurent Blanc as interim manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking, reports suggest.
      United parted company with club legend Solskjaer after Saturday’s 4-1 thrashing to Watford at Vicarage Road, which marked the final drop after five defeats in seven Premier League matches.
      Michael Carrick has been put in charge for the time being while the Red Devils look for something more permanent.
      According to The Athletic, however, the Manchester giants may be unable to land their top targets before the summer, such as Zinedine Zidane, Erik ten Hag and Brendan Rodgers.
      Therefore, it is possible that they could turn to other options who are also going to be considered as temporary solutions.
      Former United ace Blanc has been touted as a candidate, which means he would get the same opportunity Solskjaer got when he replaced Jose Mourinho in 2018 before earning a long-term contract.
      The French head coach spent two years at Old Trafford where he retired in 2003 following 75 appearances across all competitions.
      BUDGET CUTS
      Manchester United will be forced to pay Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a hefty £7.5m after sacking him this morning.
      The Red Devils boss lost his job after suffering a humiliating 4-1 defeat at Watford.
      Man United chiefs met at 7pm last night to discuss sacking the Norwegian, who they’d handed a new three-year deal to in August.
      And SunSport understands he will have to be given a full year’s salary as a severance package by the club.
      This works out at around £7.5m, which puts him around fifth in the highest paid Premier League managers.
      That’s behind behind Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Brendan Rodgers and Marcelo Bielsa in the salary stakes.
      PIERS DIG
      Piers Morgan has taken his customary dig at Gary Neville following Solskjaer’s Man Utd sacking.

      NEV SUPPORT
      Gary Neville has sent out a message of support to his former team-mate Solskjaer following his sacking from the club.

      CARRICK TO TAKE OVER
      Michael Carrick will take over as United boss temporarily, but the club are looking for an interim boss to lead the side until the end of the season.
      Presumably, Zinedine Zidane will be sounded out in the summer.

      CLUB STATEMENT
      “Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision,” a statement read.
      “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.”
      SACKED!
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked as Man Utd boss after the club’s 4-1 loss to Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.

      SHORTLIST
      Here are a list of candidates so far rumoured to be in the frame to take over on a permanent basis at Old Trafford.

      Zinedine Zidane
      Erik ten Hag
      Brendan Rodgers
      Ralph Rangnick
      Laurent Blanc
      Julen Lopetegui

      Antonio Conte, of course, was United’s first choice, but ironically it was the Red Devils’ 3-0 win over Tottenham which pushed Spurs into appointing the Italian as their new boss.
      BRU-NO!
      After the game, Solskjaer went over to the United fans to clap them, only to be negatively received by a large portion of the support.
      Bruno Fernandes waved his finger at them and indicated the result came as a consequence of the team’s poor performance and not the manager.
      “In the Premier League it is not enough playing for just one half,” he said.
      “Watford has a good team. They are aggressive, they have quality up front, and if you give them chances you will concede goals.
      “And that has been a problem with us for many games.
      “I think the attitude in the second half was there. In the first half it was too sloppy from everyone.”
      Credit: Reuters
      NOT HAPPY
      David de Gea had some choice words after the game, letting everyone know what he thought of the performance.
      “There’s not much to say – it was embarrassing to see Man United play like we did today,” he explained.
      “It’s not acceptable – the way we were playing and doing things. It’s easy to blame the manager or the staff but sometimes it’s the players.
      “We need to show much more than we are doing. Embarrassing first half – we could’ve conceded four goals in 45 minutes.
      “It was hard to watch the team playing today – it was nightmare after nightmare. It’s not acceptable.
      “We are trying to give our best and fight for the team but for sure something is very wrong. You can see in the games – it’s very low level, very poor. Sorry to the fans, once again.”
      AWFUL RESULT
      United were trounced 4-1 by newly-promoted Watford on Saturday night, prompting calls from fans for Solskjaer’s time at the club to come to an end.
      Joshua King – a Red Devils academy product – smashed home the opener after 28 minutes before Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead just before the break.
      It could have been a lot worse for United at half time as Sarr missed TWO penalties in the space of a minute after having one saved before retaking it for encroachment and David De Gea denied him a second time.
      Half time sub Donny Van de Beek grabbed a goal back early in the second half, but skipper Harry Maguire’s red card in the 69th minute ended any hopes of an underserved comeback.
      Joao Pedro and Emmanuel Dennis added a third and fourth in injury time to really stick the knife into Ole.
      This was Watford’s first home win since the start of the season back in August, and are just four points behind United in seventh.
      MORNING, MAN UTD FANS
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has managed his final game in charge of Manchester United with the board finally deciding enough is enough.
      United called an emergency board meeting following the 4-1 humiliation at Vicarage Road.
      And Solskajer’s backroom staff started saying their goodbyes following the brutal defeat with club chiefs to sack him within 48 hours.Bruno Fernandes blamed ‘everyone’ at Manchester United after Watford’s 4-1 win rammed a huge nail in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coffin.
      Midfielder Fernandes was led away by team-mates after a heated row with United fans at Vicarage Road.
      Luke Shaw could be a doubt for Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea after appearing to suffer possible concussion against Watford.
      The left-back, 26, started in Saturday’s 4-1 horror defeat at Vicarage Road.
      But Shaw didn’t last the whole 90 minutes as he was flattened in a collision with an opponent.
      OUT WITH THE OLE
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked glum as he drove home after Manchester United’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Watford.
      SunSport understand the loss, which saw club captain Harry Maguire get sent off, is the last straw for the Norwegian.
      The players are also expecting Solskjaer to get the sack.
      Other reports claim players and staff were in tears after the thumping away defeat to the newly-promoted side.
      NEEDS A JI UP
      Ex-Man Utd star Ji-sung Park has backed underfire Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to keep his job till the end of the season.
      The Norwegian boss is on the brink of the sack after the Red Devils were humiliated 4-1 at Watford.
      But Park is backing Solskjaer until the end of the season.
      “It’s been three years for Solskjaer as a manager and I believe that this will be the defining season for him, in terms of whether he continues at the club,” Park told Goal.
      “I think that he deserves credit for what he’s done at United, and deserves to fight [for his job] until the end of the season, but he needs to show he can continue after that.
      “He did well to bring the old United spirit and culture back to us.”
      “Before him, we had Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, who had reputations as world-class coaches, but it didn’t work out, so I think that United learned from those experiences and that they were key in the decision to stick with Solskjaer (after the Liverpool and City defeats).
      “But the most important point is whether he can compete with Pep (Guardiola), (Jurgen) Klopp, (Thomas) Tuchel, the best coaches in the world.
      “Therefore, I believe we should wait until the end of this season and then see. But if he can’t show (he’s good enough), it will be difficult for him to continue.”
      JA RULES
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s pre-match words of advice to Jadon Sancho backfired as Manchester United were thrashed 4-1 by Watford.
      Sancho, 21, was handed a rare start against his former club despite failing to score or assist in his previous 13 appearances.
      And before kick-off, Ronaldo could be seen talking to Sancho, offering advice and undoubtedly trying to motivate him.
      But it didn’t go to plan as Watford went into the half-time break with a two-goal lead thanks to former United ace Josh King and Ismaila Sarr.
      Half-time substitute Donny van de Beek pulled one back for the visitors, offering a glimmer of hope of a comeback.
      But Harry Maguire made sure the points would stay at Vicarage Road as he was sent off for a rash challenge of Tom Cleverley.
      The double yellow on Saturday’s game guarantees Maguire’s absence for United’s big game against Chelsea next weekend.
      Joao Pedro and Emmanuel Bonaventure scored in added time to secure a historic victory against the Red Devils.
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      Ruthless Man City fans chant ‘Ole’s on the dole’ in cruel twist on ‘Ole’s at the wheel’ after Solskjaer sacked by United

      by

      RUTHLESS Manchester City fans chanted ‘Ole’s on the dole’ in a cruel twist on ‘Ole’s at the wheel’ song following the Norwegian’s sacking.The Etihad faithful basked in their rivals’ misfortune during Sunday’s Premier League win over Everton.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked as Manchester United manager on Sunday morningCredit: EPA
      Manchester City fans enjoyed their rivals’ struggles during the win over EvertonCredit: Getty
      It came just hours after Manchester United dismissed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this morning.
      United fans and Rio Ferdinand famously said Solskjaer was at the wheel when he took over at Old Trafford – and used the phrase in their chant about the former boss.
      But City supporters were keen to mock their struggling neighbours and unemployed Ole.
      The Norwegian boss was axed in the wake of the humiliating 4-1 defeat to Watford on Saturday evening.
      And the club delivered the news on their website with a short, 159-word statement.
      It said the Old Trafford hierarchy made the decision “with regret” and says “Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United.”

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      However, there were no words of tribute from owner Joel Glazer or executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
      United chiefs met at 7pm last night to discuss sacking the Norwegian, who they’d handed a new three-year deal to in August.
      As revealed by SunSport, Solskjaer will have to be given a full year’s salary as a severance package by the club – which works around £7.5m.
      Michael Carrick, 40, will take temporary control of the team as they hunt a long-term replacement.
      David De Gea was among the players that expressed their appreciation for the head coach’s contribution in the last three years.
      The star goalkeeper described the loss to the Hornets as a “nightmare” last night but now insists Solskjaer always “gave everything” for the Red Devils.
      De Gea tweeted: “You always gave everything and everyone knows you are a legend at [Man Utd].”
      Marcus Rashford also expressed his respect for the 48-year-old gaffer as he shared a picture of them together and described him as a “club legend”.
      Captain Harry Maguire, who was sent off at Watford, thanked him for helping him join the “best club in the world”.
      Maguire said: “You signed me for the best club in the world and gave me the biggest honour in football. Huge respect and forever grateful. Thank you for everything boss. Legend.”
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked as Manchester United manager More