Solskjaer ‘honored’ to have managed ManU however accepts time to ‘step apart’

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he’s “honored and privileged” to have managed Manchester United however accepts he paid the value for not with the ability to “take the subsequent step.”

​​Solskjaer was sacked as United supervisor after an “embarrassing” 4-1 defeat at Watford within the Premier League on Saturday, with Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino the membership’s first option to take over subsequent summer time.

United have confirmed Solskjaer’s assistant Michael Carrick can be positioned in non permanent cost, with the membership additionally revealing their intention to nominate an interim supervisor till the tip of the season.

Talking for the primary time since his dismissal, Solskjaer advised United’s web site: “To begin with, I need to thank the board and the house owners for giving me the chance as a result of it isn’t for everybody and I’ve had the chance.

“I am so honored and privileged to have been trusted to take the membership ahead, and I actually hope that I go away it in a greater state than after I got here.

“It is a type of stuff you dream of in your life. While you’ve been a participant, while you’ve been a reserve-team coach, the subsequent job then, the one dream and the one factor you have not performed is to handle the membership, and I’ve now.

“It has been a ball, it has been completely pleasing from the primary to the final minute, so I’ve to thank all of the gamers as a result of since I got here in, they’re high lads, high individuals. Some have come, some have gone, however all of them, they have been such an pleasing bunch to work with.

“The board and the house owners have backed me in [terms of] bringing good individuals in, good gamers in and I believe, or I do know, I go away this membership with a greater squad.

“I believe everybody is aware of I’ve given every part for this membership. This membership means every part to me.

“I’ve made nice pals, I’ve reconnected with some nice pals, new workers coming in I’ve turn into actually good pals with. The opposite workers that was right here after I was there, we’re good pals and we’ve got linked and that is what it is about at a membership like this.

“With the followers, they’ve been wonderful. From day one at Cardiff till the final one now. [They’ve been] high, and we’ll see one another once more.”

‘Time for me to step apart’

Solskjaer, 48, signed a brand new three-year deal in July however leaves United after a run of 5 defeats in seven Premier League matches noticed them fall to eighth place within the desk and 12 factors behind leaders Chelsea.

The Norwegian’s place appeared nearly untenable following humbling residence defeats by Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis in latest weeks as his techniques got here below intense scrutiny, nevertheless it was Saturday’s loss to Watford that pressured United’s hierarchy to behave.

Solskjaer achieved third and second-place finishes in his two full seasons in cost however didn’t win silverware, with final season’s penalty shootout loss to Villarreal within the Europa League last – a 12 months after falling brief in three cup semi-finals – his finest effort of ending United’s four-year trophy drought.

“I wished us to take the subsequent step to problem for the league, to win trophies, however sadly I could not get the outcomes we wanted and it is time for me to step apart,” he mentioned.

“Second place final season forward of arguably among the finest groups in Europe (Liverpool), I believe that is a fantastic achievement as properly.

“And we had been so shut in Europe. Generally that is the positive margin for you, one penalty.”

Ole: I want subsequent supervisor all the most effective

Former Tottenham boss Pochettino is United’s first alternative to exchange Solskjaer on a everlasting foundation, with Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag understood to be second on the membership’s shortlist.

Pochettino was closely linked with United following his sacking by Spurs in November 2019 however ultimately joined PSG in January 2021. Sky Sports activities Information has been advised Ten Hag would “100 per cent have an interest within the job” in the summertime, however each males have contracts till 2023.

Solskjaer was United’s fourth everlasting supervisor since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and lasted longer than extra skilled predecessors David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.

“I would like him to achieve success,” Solskjaer mentioned of his successor. “Hopefully I’ve laid the foundations for that to occur as a result of I do know I am good at what I do.

“I am 100 per cent positive to create a soccer setting, that is the place I am good at and sooner or later, I am going to in all probability be again [working in football].

“I do not need to pre-empt something however the two instances I’ve left Molde, they’ve received the league the 12 months after, so all the most effective to whoever takes over — that is the expectations.

“I do know the inspiration is there, I do know they’re able to kick on and I am positive they may.”

Neville: Ole could not get a efficiency out of them

Gary Neville reacts to Solskjaer’s sacking as Manchester United supervisor

“He has at all times had that consequence previously that has pulled him out of the mire while you thought it would get a bit bit too tough for him. However this time the outcomes have simply acquired worse and worse. The worst factor has been the performances.

“Yesterday, among the defending is completely woeful, the goalkeeper, the defenders. It’s a again 4 or again 5 which have performed collectively a lot of instances and Watford usually are not the most effective staff within the league by an extended stretch. They mauled Manchester United. Ole couldn’t get a efficiency out of them in the long run. The gamers appeared drained of confidence.

“I’m not shocked right this moment that it has ended.

“The worst factor for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have been if he had turn into a bridge for a darkish interval within the membership. Hopefully, it is going to be a brilliant future. They should get the subsequent appointment proper. Perhaps that can be on the end of the season.”