MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, 21 Nov. - (ANA) - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked as Manchester United manager.

 

United, who made the decision in the wake of United’s 4-1 defeat at Watford, have put Michael Carrick in temporary charge while the club look to appoint an interim manager to the end of the season.

 

A statement 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.”

 

Carrick’s first assignment after stepping up from his role as assistant manager is a vital Champions League clash away to Villarreal coming up on Tuesday.

 

The writing was on the wall for Solskjaer when Watford flew into a 2-0 lead through Josh King and Ismaila Sarr.

 

Substitute Donny van de Beek pulled one back but United’s under-fire captain Harry Maguire was sent off after 69 minutes and late goals from Joao Pedro and Emmanuel Dennis piled on the misery.

 

Former United striker Solskjaer was appointed caretaker boss in December 2018 to replace Jose Mourinho.

 

The Norwegian became the first United manager to win his first six league games, beating a record held by Sir Matt Busby, and was handed the permanent role the following March.

 

United finished second behind Manchester City last season but currently lie seventh, six points off West Ham in fourth and 12 behind leaders Chelsea.

 

Solskjaer insisted he could still turn things around in the wake of another chastening afternoon at Vicarage Road, but it appears the club disagree.

 

United keeper David De Gea gave a damning verdict on United’s display at Watford, telling the BBC: “We don’t know what to do with the ball. We don’t know how to defend properly.

 

“It was embarrassing, the way we played. The first half was very poor – it’s not acceptable for this club and the level of players that we have.

 

“It’s another nightmare. There’s been some difficulties but I don’t really know what to say.”  

 

Zinedine Zidane looks the favourite to take over- (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/21 November 2021 - - -