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      Man Utd’s worst transfers XI post-Sir Alex Ferguson, including, Di Maria, Depay and De Beek that cost a whopping £431m

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON left Manchester United with the Premier League trophy – but a raft of bad signings has seen it taken away with little sign of returning.An incredible £431.7million has been splashed on 13 dodgy deals in particular by flop bosses ranging from Louis Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who was given the boot last month.

      Romelu Lukaku cost an initial £75m and United struggled to find takers when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to offload the Belgian to Inter where he thrived, before re-joining Chelsea.
      A promising first season was lost with a drop-off in 2018-19, scoring at an average of one every three games before leaving for Italy.
      At the very least, Lukaku provided some memorable moments but the same cannot be said for Angel Di Maria.
      The winger arrived with much fanfare in 2014 and quickly dropped off the pace, shepherded out to Paris Saint-Germain where he painfully found the form he lacked in England.
      The next expensive error was Fred who joined for £52m, but he still has time to prove himself at Old Trafford.
      In the slightly more affordable but nonetheless useless category are Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Morgan Schneiderlin, who came in for £30m and £27m respectively.
      Still, United recouped most of the fee they spent on French anchor man Schneiderlin when he joined Everton but Mkhitaryan’s exit saw Alexis Sanchez arrive – making the Chilean’s initial fee cheap and yet still a huge disappointment.
      Among those who arrived with potential and waited until after leaving to go on to great things is Memphis Depay.
      Now a star at Barcelona and with the Dutch national team, his baffling form in the 2015/16 season showed that United had lost their touch when turning young gems into superstars.
      Many United fans point to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward as the chief architect of these abysmal deals.
      While replacing the peerless David Gill was a tough assignment, and finding a man capable of replacing Fergie nigh-on impossible, there are serious questions over his approach.
      Not only are these players examples of bad deals, former managers such as Jose Mourinho were dismayed that not enough players were bought.
      Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind were picked up in 2014 off the back of good World Cup campaigns – a strategy that rarely pays off and cost the club over £30m.
      And although Matteo Darmian was an Italian international when plucked from Torino, Louis van Gaal’s exit cast him to the fringes.
      De Beek’s has had a torrid time at Old Trafford since joining from Ajax for £35m
      Few have flopped in the Prem like Di MariaCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Falcao struggled both at United and ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Perhaps the Red Devils thought they were pulling off a cunning piece of Andrea Pirlo-esque business when bringing in Bastian Schweinsteiger but, at 31, the German was far past his best during an 18-month spell.
      Radamel Falcao was still in his late-20s when arriving on loan in 2014 on a £6m fee and massive wage combination yet hit just four goals in 29 games.
      United’s last boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also brought in a few questionable faces to Old Trafford.
      The Norwegian was responsible for recruiting Dutch flop Donny van de Beek from Ajax for £35m last summer.
      But he’s hardly set the Premier League alight, making just four domestic starts since the beginning of last season.
      De Beek’s joined by Jadon Sancho on Solskjaer’s list of poor signings.
      The winger signed from Borussia Dortmund in the summer for a whopping £73m but has only made five appearances in that time.
      However, the English international may prove doubters wrong after netting his first goal, post-Solskjaer against Villarreal last week.
      Of course, not all of Fergie’s signings hit the right note – just ask Kleberson, Eric Djemba Djemba, Juan-Sebastian Veron, Massimo Taibi.
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      Man Utd manager Ralf Rangnick spotted on Old Trafford pitch for first time during tour of stadium with John Murtough

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      NEW Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has taken his first steps around Old Trafford.The ‘interim manager’ was given a stadium tour by football director John Murtough.
      New Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick took his first steps around Old Trafford today
      Rangnick was given a special guided tour of Old Trafford today
      The 63-year-old will NOT be in charge for United’s home game against Arsenal on Thursday, with caretaker Michael Carrick in the dugout.
      And he faces a race against time to be in charge for the home game against Crystal Palace on Sunday, due to visa issues.
      Because he has not had enough managerial jobs over the last five years, he does not meet the criteria from the Home Office by default.
      So, according to The Telegraph, the 63-year-old’s case will be heard by a panel who will have to fast-track the application.
      Rangnick has held various director-type roles in the past five years, his latest with Russian side Locomotiv Moscow.
      He was announced as the man to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was sacked after the dismal 4-1 defeat at Watford.

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      The German, hailed for his tactical nous, has agreed a six month ‘interim’ role, with him taking a two-year consultancy position after this.
      But Michael Carrick is continuing to lead training and matches until Rangnick can officially start his new job.
      Rangnick IS expected to be in the stands for the mouthwatering clash against Arsenal on Thursday.
      SunSport revealed today that Rangnick has arrived in the UK and will be allowed into the Old Trafford stands providing he continues to test negative for Covid.
      Now the Daily Star’s Jeremy Cross has claimed he will be in attendance for the Premier League showdown at the Theatre of Dreams.
      Rangnick was taking it all in today at Old TraffordCredit: oliverhunt365@gmail.com
      Rangnick is in a race against the Home Office to be in charge for the Crystal Palace gameCredit: Getty
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      ‘I did OK at Sunderland’ – Keane admits he would have taken Man Utd manager job but ‘they were never going to call me’

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      ROY KEANE admitted he would have accepted a managerial role at Manchester United, but said: ‘They were never going to call me’. Keane’s former United team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked as Old Trafford boss, with Michael Carrick taking temporary charge.
      Roy Keane admitted he would have accepted a managerial role at Manchester UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association
      The club are set to appoint German Ralf Rangnick until the end of the season.
      But Keane revealed he would have answered the call if his old side had come knocking.
      He said on Sky Sports: “They were never gonna call me, that was never gonna happen.
      “I’d have no problem going into any dressing room trying to take control of a dressing room, I’ve managed in the Premier League and I don’t think it would be a problem to me, but it was never going to happen.
      “People tend to forget that I have managed before and I did okay in the Premier League with Sunderland.”
      Keane, 50, has made a name for himself in recent years for his harsh and frank punditry.

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      But he has had five coaching roles, acting as assistant at Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and most recently Nottingham Forest, in 2019.
      Keane has had full managerial stints with Sunderland, from 2006–2008 and then Ipswich between 2009–2011.
      The highlight of his managerial career was leading Sunderland to the Championship title in 2007.
      It came only two years after the Irish midfielder left United after blasting his players on the club’s TV channel after a 4-1 loss to Middlesbrough.
      Fast forward to the present day and Keane is just as critical, singling out the likes of David de Gea, 31, Paul Pogba, 28, and captain Harry Maguire, 28, in the past.
      The ex-United skipper was even forced to deny that he had a personal grudge against Maguire.
      Keane told The Times: “I’ve got no agendas. I don’t know Harry Maguire.
      “I don’t know his agent. I don’t know anyone’s agent. I don’t have an agent. I’m not pals with any player.”
      Darren Bent says that Mauricio Pochettino is not an elite manager More

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      Cesar Azpilicueta recalls nightmare of facing Cristiano Ronaldo 11 years ago when he played for Spanish side Osasuna

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      IT is more than 11 years since Cesar Azpilicueta played against Cristiano Ronaldo.And the Chelsea captain will be keen to avoid a repeat of what happened when they met in LaLiga back in May 2010.
      Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid against Cesar Azpilicueta of Osasuna in 2010Credit: AFP
      Azpilicueta said: “I played against him when I was at Osasuna and he was at Real Madrid.
      “I don’t remember the score. Maybe in the Bernabeu we lost!”
      Indeed they did. Osasuna took an early lead but Ronaldo  equalised after twisting an equally fresh-faced Azpilicueta this way and that, then firing in a low shot.
      The score was 2-2 by  half-time and remained that way until Ronaldo headed an 89th-minute winner.
      More recently, in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup, Azpilicueta was watching from the Spain bench when Ronaldo completed a hat-trick with a late free-kick equaliser for Portugal in a 3-3 draw.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has kept up that happy habit of grabbing crucial late goals since rejoining United.

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      Azpilicueta added: “He’s a player that can be dangerous at any time, so we have to be very careful.
      “He has a great ability to find spaces, he can shoot right and left and he’s a very good header of the ball.
      “We are lucky to be in the best league in the world, playing against very tough opponents. Every day you face different challenges.
      “To be part of the era where we have faced Cristiano and Messi is great but you always have to be on your toes because they are very dangerous.”

      Chelsea captain Cesar AzpilicuetaCredit: Signathon
      Tuchel yells out the nickname of Chelsea captain Azpilicueta wrong before Pulisic steps in to correct new boss More

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      Harry Redknapp: Carrick should be Man Utd’s boss, it’s ridiculous they’ve brought in an interim to replace the interim

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      MICHAEL CARRICK is one of the most intelligent footballers I know, so really didn’t need telling he wasn’t going to be Manchester United’s next manager.But the fact United have brought in Ralf Rangnick as an interim to replace the interim, before they get the man they really want, is ridiculous.
      Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is in temporary charge of the Red DevilsCredit: SPLASH
      Carrick has replaced the recently-sacked Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: REUTERS
      But German Ralf Rangnick is set to replace Carrick as interim United bossCredit: REX
      I’ve never heard anything so stupid in my life, whichever way you look at it.
      And then we hear that if Rangnick wins the Champions League, he could end up staying as manager after all, rather than a couple of years as a consultant, director or whatever.
      So the interim manager could become the full-time manager, which means the manager they want full-time now might not be the one they want full-time in six months.
      If you’re not confused by all that, I certainly am! And we’re talking one of the biggest clubs in the world here. It’s crazy.
      If they wanted Mauricio Pochettino, as we were led to believe, then there were ways and means to make it happen now.
      And if they had to wait for him, they shouldn’t have pushed Michael aside and put someone above him for a few months. What does that say? We’ve got no faith in you?

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      I know Carrick very well. I took him to West Ham when he was 12 and was about an hour away from signing him for Portsmouth, too, but I’ll come back to that.
      The thing is, he knows United inside out. He’s got a great footballing brain — you don’t play the game how he did unless you understand it.
      If they needed to bring in anyone before a manager was appointed, then get a coach alongside him, because they were a man down after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left.
      They should have just gone for someone experienced, but let Michael run the show until then.
      He wouldn’t be the first to get a chance and then, who knows, possibly go on to be a great manager himself.
      People would have looked back on that and given him a call, had he done a decent job. No chance of that now.
      I actually think United missed a trick in not going for Antonio Conte when he was free, because the writing was on the wall for a long time with Ole.
      I’m not having this stuff about Conte only ever staying at clubs for a couple of years either.
      If you’re Manchester United manager, there aren’t many places you go upwards after that.
      Former Prem boss Harry Redknapp reckons Carrick should be given the chance to lead United on a more permanent basisCredit: ACTION
      Redknapp managed Carrick during his time in charge of West HamCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD
      Daniel Levy will have seen the danger, that’s why he got him in so quickly at Spurs. He’ll have known that when he got rid of Nuno Espirito Santo.
      It will be interesting to see the reaction if Michael gets a result at Chelsea today. That’d be a tough act for Rangnick to follow.
      I’ve always had a lot of time for Carrick and when I was at Portsmouth, I had a deal in place to sign him from West Ham for about £2.4million.
      It was all agreed and he was actually halfway down the motorway for a medical when I got a phone call from his agent saying Spurs wanted him.
      Jacques Santini was manager at the time but didn’t have a clue about it. Levy was the one who did the deal.
      Daniel told me when he saw I wanted Michael, having worked with him at West Ham, there must be something about him and at the price, it was worth taking a chance.
      So Michael and his agent turned around at the next exit, went to Spurs and from there he ended up going to United.
      What a player he was too, he controlled the game from the middle, saw everything, could hit a pass and dictated the pace.
      So don’t tell me he doesn’t have the nous to be a boss, because he does.
      But whether it’s him or Rangnick, a club like United shouldn’t have been talking interims in the first place.
      I never got a call from them when I was a manager, but if I had it’s a very difficult one to turn down.
      If they made an offer, 99 per cent in the world would jump on a plane, get in the car, whatever it took — but you’d be there the next day.
      It’s not an easy one at the minute, but what a club, what a job, what an incredible opportunity.
      I’m just so disappointed they didn’t stick with Michael until then.
      Carrick guided United to victory in their Champions League clash with Villarreal on TuesdayCredit: REX
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      Carrick says next manager will inherit perfect foundations to bring back glory days at Man Utd thanks to Solskjaer More

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      Man Utd ratings: Cristiano Ronaldo shows he’s not the problem as David De Gea shines again vs Villarreal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED progressed through to the Champions League knockout stages with a 2-0 win at Villarreal. It was a tale of two halves for United, playing under interim manager Michael Carrick for the first time since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal.
      Jadon Sancho celebrates his first goal for Man UtdCredit: AFP
      Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho saw United turn the game around following a dull first half.
      Here is how Jack Figg rated Carrick’s players.
      David de Gea – 8
      Made some good saves in the first half as the Spaniard faced some early tests.
      Pick of the bunch came on the hour mark as a volley from Manu Trigueros hit the ground forcing the keeper to finger tip it wide.
      David de Gea pulled off a string of big savesCredit: Rex
      Alex Telles – 6
      Produced a great cross on the half hour mark but Ronaldo’s header was saved and made some smart runs off the ball.
      With Martial offering little link up on the left, it saw the full-back unable to get forward and make use of his crossing abilities.

      Harry Maguire – 6
      Given a relatively quiet night at the back, something the defender would have been hoping for.
      Could only watch on at times as De Gea was forced to pull off heroics.
      Victor Lindelof – 6
      Made an important block to deny Moi Gomez’s effort just before the break, which resulted in a corner.
      Put in a disciplined performance alongside captain Maguire.
      Victor Lindelof put in a disciplined performance alongside captain Harry MaguireCredit: AP
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 5
      Almost cost United as he brought out possession from the back but managed to get away with it.
      Showed little interest in getting forward with Sancho but was competent at the back.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka started at right-backCredit: AFP
      Fred – 7
      Twisted his ankle on 35 minutes but saw the half out and continued playing.
      And he can count himself fortunate he did, as his interceptions put through Ronaldo and Sancho to score.
      Fred helped set up Cristiano Ronaldo’s winnerCredit: Getty
      Scott McTominay – 6
      Started as the deep-lying midfielder and played the occasional cross field or forward ball.
      The Scottish international did not get forward much but was solid in front of the back line.
      Scott McTominay led the charge in midfieldCredit: AFP
      Donny van de Beek – 6
      Looked energetic in the No10 role, making runs in behind but got too eager to win the ball back just before the break as he picked up a booking.
      Brought off with 25 minutes to go and will feel he did not get the ball in advanced areas enough.
      Donny van de Beek showed promise in midfieldCredit: AFP
      Anthony Martial – 4
      Looked far less of an impact out wide, opposed to his preferred position through the middle.
      Could have no complaints being substituted as the Frenchman failed to take his opportunity after being given a rare start.
      Anthony Martial failed to make an impact in what was a rare startCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho – 8
      Had largely quiet spells in the first half but showed promise when he did get on the ball, driving down the right wing.
      Great form continued into the second half and led to the forward scoring his first United goal, smashing home from inside the box.
      Jadon Sancho shined on the right wing for Man UtdCredit: AFP
      Cristiano Ronaldo – 7
      Had little luck in front of goal throughout the match – until a mistake at the back put the forward through and led to a beautiful chip finish.
      Again, Ronaldo proved he is not the problem and once more got United back on track.
      Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner in SpainCredit: AFP
      SUBS
      Bruno Fernandes (for Van de Beek) – 6
      Almost immediately got involved and slid through Sancho smartly, but the winger’s effort was saved.
      Marcus Rashford (for Anthony Martial) – 6
      Produced a good save from Geronimo Rulli as he cut in from the left with five minutes remaining.
      Nemanja Matic (for Cristiano Ronaldo) – N/A
      Juan Mata (for Jadon Sancho) – N/A
      Phil Jones’ shock inclusion on Man Utd plane to Villarreal leaves Ray Parlour baffled More

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      Pregnant Georgina Rodriguez covers tummy with huge coat while Cristiano Ronaldo prepares for Man Utd vs Villarreal

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      PREGNANT Georgina Rodriguez covered up her stomach with a huge coat as she posed for social media. The model and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo are preparing for twins, having recently announced pregnancy.
      Georgina Rodriguez covered up her stomach with a huge coatCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      Georgina Rodriguez is expecting twins with Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      The model posed on Instagram with a winter jacket onCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      But still in the early stages Rodriguez covered up as she wrapped up in a massive winter coat.
      She has been dating Ronaldo since 2016 and already have one daughter together, Alana Martina.
      And Ronaldo has three other children born to two surrogate mothers, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr and twins Eva and Mateo.
      His eldest is currently playing for United’s academy, having left Juventus’ when his dad moved from Italy back to the Premier League.
      Ronaldo, 36, is preparing for his first game back at United without former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager.
      Solskjaer, who played with the Portugese legend for four years, was sacked after United’s dismal 4-1 away defeat to Watford.

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      Michael Carrick, who also formerly played with Ronaldo, takes charge temporarily as their search for a new boss continues.
      Ronaldo paid tribute to Solskjaer on Instagram and posted: “He’s been my striker when I first came to Old Trafford and he’s been my coach since I came back to Man. United.
      “But most of all, Ole is an outstanding human being. I wish him the best in whatever his life has reserved for him.
      “Good luck, my friend! You deserve it!”
      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo Jr in action for Man Utd in video posted by proud Georgina Rodriguez as dad thrashed by Watford More

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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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