Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals moment he ‘100 per cent knew’ he was getting sacked as Man Utd manager
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has revealed the moment he “100 per cent knew” he was getting sacked at Manchester United manager.
The former Red Devils striker and Treble winner made a triumphant return to Old Trafford as gaffer in December 2018.
The OverlapOle Gunnar Solskjaer has opened up over his Man Utd exit[/caption]
The Norwegian was axed after nearly three years in the jobGetty – Pool
Initially appointed on an interim basis, Solskjaer ended up getting the job permanently later that season.
He went on to take charge of 168 matches and even led United to the Europa League final in 2021, where they lost on penalties to Sevilla.
But despite penning a new three-year deal that summer, a drop in form ended up with Solskjaer being axed by United just months later in November.
United had already been beaten at home by Liverpool and Man City for a combined 7-0 score line.
And a 4-1 defeat at Watford proved to be the final straw for Solskjaer.
The Norwegian was sacked the next day before Michael Carrick briefly took charge ahead of Ralf Rangnick’s reign.
However, Solskjaer claims he knew he was a goner at half-time of the Watford defeat.
United were 2-0 down when the whistle was blown at Vicarage Road.
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And a solemn Solskjaer made it clear to players during the dressing room break that he would no longer be in charge, with some of them “in tears” at the news.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Solskjaer said: “It hit me hard the first day because I knew the day before [I was getting sacked], 100% at half-time against Watford I knew, that’s it.
“So, the team talk at half-time was about whoever wants to play, can play, get your hand up if you don’t want to play, made a few changes, couple of the lads in tears, and I had a go and then after the game I knew.
“Didn’t hear anything, but I still knew – and then the next morning you get a text, ‘I want to see you in your office’, so I knew.
“I just left my wife at the airport and then text her, ‘I think I’ll be coming back with you’, and it took about five minutes with Ed [Woodward] and then stayed and spoke to some of the lads and did an interview.
“I needed to do it properly because I’ve always seen managers when they leave, it’s like two months later, slag someone off and that’s not me.
“I’m like no, I want to do it now, tell everyone that I’m proud and privileged and move on.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.
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