Man Utd finally sack Solskjaer after dismal run

Manchester United ended Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's three-year reign as manager at Old Trafford on Sunday following a run of one win in seven Premier League games.

Saturday's 4-1 embarrassment at the hands of struggling Watford was the final straw for the United board, who had stuck by Solskjaer in recent weeks despite humiliating home defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City.

"Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as Manager," the club said in a statement.

"Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision. While the past few weeks have been disappointing, they should not obscure all the work he has done over the past three years to rebuild the foundations for long-term success."

The Norwegian leaves with United already realistically out of the Premier League title race, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea down in seventh in the table, and having exited the League Cup.

Former midfielder Michael Carrick, who was part of Solskjaer's coaching team, will take charge for a crucial Champions League clash away to Villarreal on Tuesday.

Another defeat in Spain would leave the Red Devils needing both results in the final round of matches in Group F to go their way to avoid crashing out at the group stages for a second consecutive season.

United said they are looking to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season rather than a permanent appointment in the coming weeks.

A run of five defeats Solskjaer's final seven league games contrasts sharply with the anticipation that surrounded the club in August when Cristiano Ronaldo made a surprise return to Old Trafford in the final days of the transfer window.