Ole Gunnar Solskjaer news LIVE: Manchester United manager sacked, Laurent Blanc could succeed him

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked as Manchester United manager.

The club’s board convened after Saturday afternoon’s dismal 4-1 defeat at Watford, one of the worst displays of the Norwegian’s tenure. The consensus was that the nature of the performance was unacceptable. Michael Carrick will now take charge of the Champions League game against Villarreal on Tuesday.

The Independent has been told the 48-year-old was aware he was under renewed pressure ahead of the Watford game, with United chiefs increasingly concerned about the mood of the players. Most have long felt a change was required. Particular attention has also been paid to Cristiano Ronaldo’s feelings, and he has been increasingly anguished by the nature of displays, as well as those of Bruno Fernandes.

Laurent Blanc is seen as a strong candidate to take interim charge, before the club make a permanent decision on a figure such as Ajax’s Erik ten Hag in the summer. Blanc was mooted as an option when Solskjaer first arrived to stand in for Jose Mourinho in December 2018, and he has a good relationship with the hierarchy and Sir Alex Ferguson having spent two years at United as a player.

Follow all the latest updates and reaction:

Read More

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Manchester United sack manager following Watford thrashing

Manchester United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer mistake leaves them behind their rivals and back where they started

Laurent Blanc emerges as strong candidate for Manchester United manager’s job

Manchester United next manager odds: Who are the favourites to succeed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?

Man Utd sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked by Manchester United

• 4-1 defeat at Watford final game of three-year tenure

• Club executives met on Saturday to make decision over his future

• Michael Carrick to take over; Laurent Blanc could take interim role

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

14:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, now in charge of Championship strugglers Derby, distanced himself from early speculation linking him with a return to Old Trafford in a coaching capacity.

“Firstly it’s always sad when a manager loses his job, especially a former team-mate of mine,” Rooney told Sky Sports after his side’s 3-2 win over Bournemouth. “I feel for Ole.

“In terms of myself, I’m committed to this club until I’m told otherwise. I’m Derby County manager and I’ll keep working hard to get the best results on the pitch for this team.”

Manchester United consider Laurent Blanc as interim

14:30 , Lawrence Ostlere

Laurent Blanc is seen as a strong candidate to become Manchester United‘s interim manager, before the club make a permanent decision on a figure such as Ajax’s Erik ten Hag in the summer.

Full story from The Independent’s chief football writer Miguel Delaney:

Laurent Blanc emerges as strong candidate for Manchester United job

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

14:01 , Lawrence Ostlere

Full story on Rio Ferdinand’s damning assessment of the state of Manchester United:

Rio Ferdinand criticises Ed Woodward and ‘shocking’ Manchester United hierarchy

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

13:46 , Lawrence Ostlere

Rio Ferdinand on Manchester United’s out-of-form captain Harry Maguire: “Sometimes you need to be taken out the firing line. He’s had a long summer, a successful summer with England to a certain degree. He’s played a lot of football, comes back to United and physically and mentally it looks like there’s a hangover there.

“He won’t take himself out of it, I wouldn’t either, I’d try and play myself through it, but at the moment his performances haven’t been up to the level required, for him, for Man United. The bar he set himself wouldn’t be there.”

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

13:41 , Lawrence Ostlere

More from Rio Ferdinand on Manchester United’s “shocking management”:

“We don’t look organised, no clear plan on or off the pitch at the moment. If there haven’t been conversations [about a change of manager] since at least the Liverpool game behind closed doors, I’d be surprised. There must have been some conversations going on.

“The international break was the perfect time to do it [sack Solskjaer], I don’t know why they are dilly-dallying and waiting. That’s the big thing for me, that’s shocking management of the club. It’s all rush, rush, rush now. What frustrates me is, wow, there’s not a candidate out there who’s out of a job. It smacks of unorganised chaos really.”

On Ed Woodward: “If you look at the mangers he’s brought in, have any been successful? No. Has recruitment of players worked out? No. All of that falls into his lap, he’s got to take responsibility for that.”

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

13:33 , Lawrence Ostlere

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, the former United centre-back says Solskjaer did a “very good job” in his time at the club up until this season, but that his position became untenable.

“There’s so many different emotions. Disappointment, sadness, upset with it. Firstly I’ve seen a couple of my former teammates thank Ole for his time and I’m exactly the same. From where it was to where he got the club at the beginning of the season, he gave the hope back. Obviously things have gone backwards but up until that point Ole had done a very good job and done his remit, to stabilise the club.

“The biggest, most alarming thing was coming to a game and not knowing what formation we were going to play, having no real identity. The game yesterday was a terrible, terrible, terrible game. The fallout from that was only going to end one way.”

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

13:20 , Lawrence Ostlere

The Independent’s chief football writer Miguel Delaney has the inside story on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking by Manchester United. He writes:

When Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes were away with Portugal last week, the two naturally discussed Manchester United at length. Both liked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but neither felt he was up to it. That feeling had spread around the entire dressing room.

Outgoing executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was well aware of this. It was why there was greater pressure on Solskjaer going into the Watford game, and a sense of unease. Still, nobody expected it to get as bad as that at Vicarage Road.

Then again, that has been the story of the modern Manchester United, and particularly Solskjaer’s time. They have frequently been blindsided by developments, due to bad decisions.

Read the full piece here:

Manchester United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer mistake leaves them back where they started

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

13:11 , Lawrence Ostlere

Sky Sports say Mauricio Pochettino is Manchester United’s top target, but the Paris Saint-Germain manager is not available right now which is why they are looking to appoint an interim coach until the end of the season. Erik ten Hag, the Ajax manager, is thought to be the back-up option.

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

13:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

Reuters Sports News and Football Correspondent Simon Evans has written some analysis of the club’s predicament. He writes:

In most top clubs, the search for a manager would be the responsibility of a Director of Football, or senior leadership figures such as Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain at Manchester City.

But at United the structure, and individual roles and responsibilities within it, is far from clear with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward heading out of the club, John Murtough the director of football and Darren Fletcher the technical director who also helps out on the training ground.

Co-chairman Joel Glazer would also be expected to sign off on any appointment and there are other figures in the club, such as managing director Richard Arnold, who might expect to be involved.

The Florida-based Glazer family have owned United since 2005 and have faced fan opposition from the moment they completed their takeover and the leading role they played in the failed attempt to launch the European Super League.

The late Malcolm Glazer, the family patriarch who made his fortune in real estate and stocks, bought United in May 2005 for £790m, after entering the sports business in 1995 with a takeover of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Since his death in 2014, his two sons Joel and Avram have been co-chairmen of United with the former playing a prominent part in the recent Super League controversy -- he was named the short-lived breakaway’s founding vice-chairman.

United fans have been reluctant to vent their frustration against Solskjaer, a Champions League winner and popular player with an amiable personality, but they have no such reservations when it comes to Woodward and the Glazers.

United are badly in need of clear direction -- on and off the field -- but the fact that they are now searching for a short-term fix till the end of the season will do little to inspire confidence that a defined strategy is in place.

‘This was supposed to be a season where United would mount a proper challenge'

12:44 , Lawrence Ostlere

Andy Mitten, editor of United We Stand fanzine, says United fans will always love Solskjaer but he had to go.

“Fans still sang his name and got behind him but they had major doubts. Ole will know it’s easier to sack a manager rather than underperforming players. This was supposed to be a season where United would mount a proper challenge and far more impressive than they have been. His place in history is assured for what he did in Camp Nou in 1999. Fans will be extremely welcoming of him in the future, he gave it a really shot and there were some brilliant moments, some really good results in Europe, but a team like United really should be winning trophies.

“What happens next is going to be very interesting. It looks like there has been very little planning there, because there hasn’t been.”

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

12:33 , Lawrence Ostlere

This interim manager plan – haven’t we been here before?

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

12:28 , Lawrence Ostlere

More on Gary Neville’s assessment of United’s woes:

Manchester United have ‘no plan’, says Gary Neville

Gary Neville: 'Solskjaer rebuilt United’s soul’

12:18 , Lawrence Ostlere

Neville adds: “What has gone wrong in the past couple of months? Why does a team who were progressing in the last two seasons – third, then second – suddenly look like they’ve never passed a ball to each other? The confidence is shot to piece. Ole will reflect with sadness but I think he will be proud. I’m not saying he rebuilt the club, but he rebuilt the soul of the club. It was in a dark place at the end of the last reign under Jose Mourinho.”

Gary Neville: ‘United don’t have a plan'

12:10 , Lawrence Ostlere

Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, thinks the club is being poorly run at the moment.

“I’ve never been there where the players have been so drained in confidence. I don’t think the players don’t care, they’re a good group of lads. What’s happened recently I can’t explain. They looked so open, they’ve not been able to get right since. Rudderless on and off the pitch. No one, when Ronaldo signed, thought this would happen.

“Michael [Carrick] takes over now. If there was a world-class manager sat on the shelf then they could but they haven’t got anybody to appoint. I don’t think [Antonio] Conte would have been a fit for United and I don’t think there’s a perfect fit available at the moment. They don’t have a plan for the next manager at this moment in time. The planning hasn’t been great, and you have to ask serious questions. I think the club is run on the business side OK, but culturally and from a football perspective it leaves a lot to be desired.”

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

12:05 , Ben Burrows

To recap: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked as manager of Manchester United.

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.

“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.”

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

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

11:52 , Ben Burrows

Solskjaer was aware he was under renewed pressure ahead of the Watford game, as club executives have been growing increasingly concerned about the mood of the players.

Most have long felt a change was required. Particular attention has also been paid to Cristiano Ronaldo’s feelings, and he has been increasingly anguished by the nature of displays.

Similar applies to Bruno Fernandes, who very publicly defended Solskjaer on the pitch at Vicarage Road.

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

11:40 , Ben Burrows

It’s understood that, along with Michael Carrick, Mike Phelan and Kieran McKenna are remaining with the club despite Solskjaer’s exit.

That will of course depend on the make up of the new manager’s backroom team, of course, although that may not come until the summer.

An interim manager is set to be appointed until then, the club have confirmed.

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

11:28 , Ben Burrows

A timeline of Solskjaer’s time in charge:

December 18: Jose Mourinho sacked as United manager.

December 19: Solskjaer appointed as caretaker manager, initially until end of 2018-19 season.

December 22: Wins first match in charge - 5-1 against former club Cardiff.

2019:

February 12: After 10 wins and one draw in all competitions, Solskjaer suffers his first defeat as United boss - a 2-0 home loss to Paris St Germain in the Champions League.

March 6: United overturn first-leg deficit to reach Champions League quarter-finals with 3-1 away win at PSG.

March 28: Solskjaer appointed full-time boss.

2020:

January: United suffer a 3-1 home defeat in the first leg of their Carabao Cup against rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford, a loss followed by a 2-0 Premier League reverse at Liverpool and a chastening home setback against Burnley. On the positive side they sign Bruno Fernandes, beat Tranmere 6-0 in the FA Cup and overcome City in the second leg, but they miss out on the final.

March 12: In their final match before football is halted because of the coronavirus pandemic, United take control of their Europa League last-16 tie with a 5-0 first-leg win at LASK in Austria in front of a crowd of just 500.

July 19: United are beaten 3-1 by Chelsea in their FA Cup semi-final.

July 26: United beat Leicester to take third place in the Premier League, 15 points behind champions Liverpool.

August 16: United suffer their third semi-final defeat of the season, losing 2-1 to Sevilla in the Europa League.

October 4: United are thrashed 6-1 by a Tottenham side managed by Mourinho and the result leaves them 16th in the Premier League.

December 8: United lose 3-2 at RB Leipzig to exit the Champions League at the group stage and drop into the Europa League.

2021

May: United finish second in the Premier League but are beaten 11-10 on penalties by Villarreal in the Europa League final.

July 24: Solskjaer signs new three-year contract to remain at the Old Trafford helm, with the option for a further 12 months.

October 24: Solskjaer appears on the brink after United are humiliated 5-0 at home by arch-rivals Liverpool.

October 30: Solskjaer earns a reprieve after a 3-0 win at Tottenham, a result which precipitates the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo at Spurs. The Portuguese is swiftly replaced by Antonio Conte, who just days earlier was being heavily linked with United.

November 6: The heat on the Norwegian increases yet again after United are completely outplayed in a 2-0 home derby loss to City.

November 20: United fail spectacularly to return to winning ways following the international break as a heavy 4-1 defeat at Watford signals the end of Solskjaer’s reign.

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

11:21 , Ben Burrows

Gary Neville has paid tribute to his former teammate after his dismissal at Manchester United.

“Thank you Ole. You did us proud,” he tweeted.

“The last two months were tough but before that you restored some soul into the club.”

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

11:14 , Ben Burrows

Solskjaer’s departure comes with United seventh in the table after Saturday’s defeat having won only one of their last seven Premier League games, while Solskjaer won 54.2 per cent of his games in charge.

That is lower than predecessor Jose Mourinho’s 58 per cent but a better win rate than United’s other permanent managers in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, David Moyes (52.9 per cent) and Louis Van Gaal (52.4).

Solskjaer’s initial spell in caretaker charge after Mourinho’s dismissal was an overwhelming success, with 14 wins from 19 games making it a foregone conclusion he would be given the job on a permanent basis.

They scored 12 goals in his first three games in temporary charge, won the first eight and beat Tottenham and Arsenal along the way, and had 10 wins and a draw in his first 11 before Paris St Germain inflicted a first defeat.

An astonishing 3-1 win in the return leg of that Champions League tie saw United through on away goals and was the third straight win with three goals scored as United netted 40 and conceded only 17 in the 19-game spell - though curiously, Solskjaer’s eventual long-term appointment came after back-to-back defeats to Arsenal in the league and Wolves in the FA Cup.

Crunching the numbers of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Man Utd reign

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

11:07 , Ben Burrows

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.”

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

11:01 , Ben Burrows

The decision comes at the end of a torrid run of results for United under Solskjaer, the club great who himself took over on an interim basis back in December 2018 after the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

He rode out a chastening 5-0 home loss to Liverpool and appeared to be back in calmer waters after a 3-0 win at Tottenham, but a comprehensive derby loss to Manchester City meant that the Watford game was essentially a must-win.

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.

The struggles were not widely expected back when Solskjaer 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 in March 2019.

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

10:56 , Ben Burrows

To recap: 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.

“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.”

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.

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

10:50 , Ben Burrows

The defeat at Watford leaves United in seventh and now 12 points off the pace to Premier League leaders Chelsea and struggling to even stay in touch with the top four.

Having succeeded Jose Mourinho at the time, Solskjaer quickly injected fresh vigour into the club and brought a feel good factor to the club.

The United legend, who scored the stoppage-time winner in the 1999 Champions League final triumph over Bayern Munich, inspired another historic night in Europe as manager.

A stoppage-time penalty from Marcus Rashford earned a 3-1 victory to knock Paris Saint-Germain out in the round of 16 in 2019, having trailed 2-0 from the first leg at Old Trafford.

The victory seemingly clinched a permanent role at the club, which saw him guide the Red Devils back to Europe’s top competition with a third-placed finish in 2020 after a first full season in charge. The 48-year-old improved on that position last term as runners-up behind Manchester City.

But despite United’s evident progress, which included a 29-game away game unbeaten streak in the Premier League, there was an element of disappointment after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Villarreal in the Europa League final, as Solskjaer fell agonisingly short of earning his first piece of silverware in charge of the club.

The return of Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as big-money summer signings Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, sparked fresh hope of a first title in nine years.

But a 4-2 defeat to Leicester City and the 5-0 thrashing to Jurgen Klopp’s Reds left Solskjaer feeling like he had hit “rock bottom” before the one-sided Manchester derby.

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

10:43 , Ben Burrows

Michael Carrick has been put in temporary charge and will lead the team against Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The club’s next Premier League game is against league leaders Chelsea next Sunday.

The club confirmed they are looking to appoint an interim manager to the end of the season.

Next Manchester United manager odds

10:41 , Ben Burrows

Here are the current bookmakers’ favourites to be Manchester United’s next permanent manager:

Zinedine Zidane - 11/10

Brendan Rodgers (Leicester) - 6/4

Darren Fletcher - 6/1

Erik ten Hag (Ajax) - 10/1

Laurent Blanc - 20/1

Mauricio Pochettino (PSG) - 25/1

Michael Carrick - 25/1

Ralf Rangnick - 33/1

Massimiliano Allegri (Juventus) - 40/1

Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid) - 50/1

Gareth Southgate (England) - 50/1

Graham Potter (Brighton) - 50/1

Julen Lopetegui (Sevilla) - 50/1

Luis Enrique (Spain) - 50/1

Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

10:35 , Ben Burrows

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked.

A club statement read: “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.

“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.”

Manchester United set to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

10:25 , Ben Burrows

In the Vicarage Road dressing room, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was already talking to some players about how he didn’t know if he’d be in charge for the next Manchester United match.

Most of the squad feel it is done. Most, in truth, want it done. Many around United would argue the performance in a pitiful 4-1 defeat to Watford said that more than anything.

This was no longer a team fighting for their manager, no matter how much they profess to like him in private. It was barely a team at all. It could really have been 4-0 to Watford at half-time.

The final collapse that made it into the rout it should have been felt like a final nail. It was all the worse because Watford had looked nervous at 2-1. They looked there for the taking.

United just didn’t have it in them.

Here’s Miguel Delaney’s take from Vicarage Road:

Defeated Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left with no way back as Man United surrender

Manchester United set to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

10:05 , Ben Burrows

Manchester United are preparing to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager.

The club’s board convened an emergency meeting on Saturday night after the 4-1 defeat at Watford, one of the worst displays of the Norwegian’s tenure.

It is understood that they came to the consensus that the nature of the performance was unacceptable, and Solskjaer now fears he will not be in charge for the crucial Champions League game away to Villarreal on Tuesday.

The Independent has been told the 48-year-old was aware he was under renewed pressure ahead of the Watford game, as the United executives have been growing increasingly concerned about the mood of the players.

Most have long felt a change was required. Particular attention has also been paid to Cristiano Ronaldo’s feelings, and he has been increasingly anguished by the nature of displays.

Similar applies to Bruno Fernandes, who very publicly defended Solskjaer on the pitch at Vicarage Road.

The favourites to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

09:48 , Ben Burrows

Outgoing executive vice chairman Ed Woodward is said to see Zinedine Zidane as a potential replacement for Solskjaer but the French legend is understood to be cool on the idea of taking over.

If that proves to be the case, United may instead accelerate plans to try and get Erik ten Hag from Ajax, who was previously seen as an option for the summer.

Brendan Rodgers was not considered as a top target in the last few weeks, although circumstances may see events change. United have been impressed with his work at Leicester City and Celtic but he has always been seen as below other options.

Current first-team coach Darren Fletcher is likely to step in as interim manager, with trips to Villarreal on Tuesday in the Champions League before a meeting with Premier League leaders Chelsea next Sunday.

Manchester United set to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

09:32 , Ben Burrows

Bruno Fernandes believes everyone is to blame for United’s current run.

“In these games in the Premier League it’s not enough playing for just one half,” he said after the game yesterday.

“Watford is a good team with quality, they are aggressive upfront and if you give them enough chances you will concede goals, that is a problem for us for many games.

“I think the attitude in the second half was there but in the first half, it was too slow for everyone.

“We don’t tackle, we don’t win our duels and against these teams, you have to win that. You have to show the same intensity as them and afterwards try to show your quality and why you play for Manchester United.

“It’s everyone’s fault. It’s not the coach, one player or two, it’s everyone. Everyone has to take the responsibility because everyone has to do better.”

Manchester United set to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

09:15 , Ben Burrows

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.

Manchester United set to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

09:00 , Ben Burrows

After the game United keeper David De Gea gave a damning verdict on United’s display, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: “We don’t know what to do with the ball. We don’t know how to defend properly.”

Watford manager Claudio Ranieri urged the United board to be calm and give Solskjaer time.

He said: “I think he must be calm, also the chairman must be calm because football is up and down. I understand United can’t do up and down but he must have time to build his actions as a team.”

The Italian added: “I think all my players played very well.

“I am also very happy with Sarr because after two penalty misses, he scored the goal and I think he is a little less sad today.”

Next Manchester United manager odds

08:50 , Ben Burrows

With Tottenham successfully swooping for Antonio Conte, one of the major candidates to succeed Solskjaer is now off the market.

Zinedine Zidane is well liked by Ed Woodward while Diego Simeone is another who is high on the shortlist as well as Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who has been spoken about as a possible candidate.

Current first-team coach Darren Fletcher is likely to step up as interim head coach until a permanent replacement can be found.

Here are the current favourites to be United’s next permanent manager:

The favourites to become next Manchester United manager

Manchester United set to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

08:40 , Ben Burrows

In the post-match press conference, Solskjaer backed himself and his staff to turn United’s fortunes around.

He said: “I always have belief in myself but of course at the moment it’s a difficult time for us.

“I can trust every single one out there to give what they have, the staff are fantastic, but the results at the moment are difficult but I believe we can turn this around.

“I understand fans who’ve supported the club through thick and thin, they’ve been fantastic over the past few years, it’s a difficult period, we’ve had a hard time since Sir Alex [Ferguson] left the club.

“The fans who have been with us the last few years since I came in, they’ve been unbelievable, they’ve understood the situation.

“After being second last season, we hoped to kick on and at the moment we can’t seem to find our form so I understand and that’s their right to show their opinion.”

Manchester United set to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

08:29 , Ben Burrows

Solskjaer apologised to the away support after the game for the manner of his team’s performance with a number of the travelling fans voicing their displeasure during the match and after.

“I feel for the fans and I feel the same as them - we’re embarrassed by losing the way we do,” he said.

“We know we are in a very bad run and a bad situation, but that’s football and I know they’ll support whoever is on the pitch every day, and sometimes you’ve got to say sorry.”

Solskjaer shrugged off the inevitable speculation about his future, adding: “I’m working for and with the club and I’ve done that for 18 years.

“We’ve got a good communication and if the club were thinking about doing something then that is between me and the club.

“The results are not good enough, we know that. We’ve gone 30 games unbeaten away from home and now we’ve lost two on the bounce and conceded four goals in both of them, so of course something’s wrong.”

Manchester United set to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

08:27 , Ben Burrows

United travelled to Vicarage Road on Saturday having lost four of their last six Premier League games before the international break and this heavy defeat only piled more misery on the beleaguered Norwegian.

In the match, Josh King and Ismaila Sarr put Watford 2-0 up at the break before 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 punished the Red Devils.

Read Miguel Delaney’s match report:

Harry Maguire sent-off as Watford thrash dismal Manchester United

Manchester United set to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

08:26 , Ben Burrows

If it is confirmed Solskjaer is sacked, then Darren Fletcher is likely to step in as interim manager, with trips to Villarreal on Tuesday and Chelsea next Sunday.

Outgoing executive vice chairman Ed Woodward is said to be interested in Zinedine Zidane as a potential replacement but that is seen as almost impossible, with the French legend still cool on the idea of taking over at Old Trafford.

If that proves to be the case, United may instead accelerate plans to try and get Erik ten Hag from Ajax. Brendan Rodgers was not considered as a top target in the last few weeks, although circumstances may see events change. United have been impressed with his work at Leicester City and Celtic but he has always been seen as below other options.

The idea had been to try and wait on any major decision until the summer, but events may now have taken on a life of their own.

Many felt a landmark moment was Solskjaer being booed by United’s travelling support at Vicarage Road after the game.

Manchester United set to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

08:23 , Ben Burrows

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is on the brink at Manchester United although the final decision will be taken by owner Joel Glazer.

Club executives convened after one of the worst displays of the Norwegian’s time so far, a dismal 4-1 defeat at Watford.

The consensus was that the nature of the performance was unacceptable, and Solskjaer now fears he will not be in charge for the crucial Champions League game away to Villarreal on Tuesday.

The Independent has been told the 48-year-old was aware he was under renewed pressure ahead of the Watford game, as the United executives have been growing increasingly concerned about the mood of the players.

Most have long felt a change was required. Particular attention has also been paid to Cristiano Ronaldo’s feelings, and he has been increasingly anguished by the nature of displays.

Similar applies to Bruno Fernandes, who very publicly defended Solskjaer on the pitch following the 4-1 loss to Watford.

If it is confirmed Solskjaer is sacked, then Darren Fletcher is likely to step in as interim manager, with trips to Villarreal on Tuesday and Chelsea next Sunday.