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The inevitable has finally happened. 20-time Premier League champions, Manchester United, have finally parted ways with their manager and club legend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian manager served diligently for close to three years, but failed to win any silverware with the Old Trafford-based outfit.
Manchester United’s embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Watford in the Premier League acted as the final nail in the coffin on Saturday. The Red Devils not only lacked creativity but they also never looked like taking the fight to The Hornets.
Solskjaer was appointed interim manager after Jose Mourinho’s dismissal in 2018. The Norwegian brought engaging football back to Old Trafford, leaving behind the horrors of Mourinho’s pragmatic football. The 3-1 win over PSG in the UEFA Champions League round-of-16 marked the beginning of the Ole era and fans could not be more hopeful.
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The former Manchester United reserves team coach could not seal UEFA Champions League football for his team but his efforts were undeniable. In March 2019, he won a permanent contract and led the club for two seasons.
The Red Devils finished third and second respectively in the Premier League, in his two seasons, but the manager could not muster a single trophy. They came close in the 2020-21 Europa League final but were ultimately bested by Villarreal on penalties.
Solskjaer’s dismissal was a long time coming, but it is still perceived as a disappointing end to the great club icon’s managerial spell. Manchester United players took to social media in support of the sacked manager, evidencing the fact that Solskjaer will continue to be a respected figure at Manchester United. On that note, here is a look at how the
Manchester United players reacted to news of Solskjaer's sacking
Victor Lindelof
Victor Lindelof was a regular under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, playing a part in both wins and defeats. The Sweden international featured in 129 games for his Norwegian boss, scoring thrice and assisting six times.
Taking to Instagram, Lindelof wrote:
“Nothing but respect for this man. Thank you for everything boss!”
Dean Henderson
Manchester United's second-choice keeper Dean Henderson may only have featured in 27 games for Solskjaer, but the youngster had a good rapport with the manager. On Instagram, Henderson thanked his “gaffer” for everything and called him a Manchester United legend.
His post read:
“Thanks for everything gaffer!! A true United legend❤️”
Scott McTominay
Scott McTominay, who featured heavily — 14 goals in 115 appearances — for Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, also thanked the coach via Instagram. In his post, he expressed gratitude towards the outgoing manager.
On Instagram, McTominay wrote:
“❤️❤️❤️ Me & my family are so grateful for everything boss. Legend”
Diogo Dalot
Dalot is yet to establish himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet at Manchester United. However, Solkjaer made sure Dalot got his fair share of chances. Dalot thanked the managed on United’s behalf and wished him all the best for his future endeavors.
His Instagram story read:
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for this club! Wish you all the best in the future Ole”
Fred
Former Manchester United boss Solskjaer has always been in favor of using industrious players in midfield. So it was no surprise that the Norwegian loved to deploy Fred in the middle of the park.
Despite getting some flak from fans, Solskjaer used him heavily, allowing the central midfielder to feature in 121 games under him. Fred netted four goals and provided seven assists under Solskjaer.
Like many of his team-mates, Fred took to Instagram to show his respect for Solskjaer. He wrote:
“Respect. Thanks for everything!”
Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial did not always have the best of times under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but he had the complete trust of his manager. The former Manchester United striker expected Martial to get back to his best this season and help fulfill Manchester United’s ambitions.
Things did not pan out the way the duo expected, but Martial remains grateful for the opportunities he was handed by the former manager. Martial, who scored 35 goals and provided 25 assists in 111 games for Solskjaer, paid homage to the manager via Instagram.
His thank-you note read:
“Thank you and I wish you all the best for your future 🙌🏾”
Mason Greenwood
Mason Greenwood is one of the most exciting prospects to come out of Manchester United in recent years. It is no surprise that his promotion came under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019.
Since being promoted to the first team in 2019, Greenwood has featured in 75 top-flight games under Solskjaer, bagging 21 goals and 3 assists.
Mason retweeted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s farewell interview with the caption “Thankyou for everything boss”
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw has often endured difficult spells at Manchester United. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, however, he played without a worry in the world. Shaw regained his sharpness in attack and defense under the former Manchester United boss and contributed heavily on both fronts.
Shaw uploaded a Story on Instagram, with the caption:
“Thank you for everything Boss, I’ll be forever grateful.”
David de Gea
Following a horrendous FIFA World Cup campaign in 2018, David de Gea found himself lacking confidence and sharpness under the bar. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer worked on him tirelessly and helped him get himself back on the team.
De Gea is still a long way from bringing back his old glory days, but Solskjaer surely helped his cause.
The Spaniard went on Twitter to tell everyone how much he appreciated Solskjaer’s commitment, reaffirming the coach’s status at the club.
He wrote:
"You always gave everything and everyone knows you are a legend at Manchester United"
Marcus Rashford
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford had a healthy relationship with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He was not always the first name on the team sheet, but he appreciated the transparency Solskjaer brought to the table.
The England international put up Solskjaer's interview as a Story on Instagram, calling him a “Club Legend.”
Paul Pogba
Almost out of contract and yet to pledge allegiance, Paul Pogba is nothing but an enigma at the moment. The Frenchman was greatly valued by Solskjaer as he brought something extra to the table. Unfortunately, he could not always remain as consistent as many expected.
At the start of the season, Pogba seemed to be at his world-class best, providing seven assists in his first four games. He could not keep up his momentum, but the 2018 World Cup winner does not blame Solskjaer for it.
If his Instagram story is anything to go by, he is thankful for the good moments and wishes Solskjaer good luck. His story read:
“All the best boss! Thanks for all the good moments.”
Bruno Fernandes
After the crushing 4-1 defeat against Watford, Bruno Fernandes was one of the very few players who were still in Solskjaer’s corner. He asked the visiting fans not to boo the manager and see it as a collective failure.
Fernandes’ Instagram post for his boss was full of good wishes and gratitude. Fernandes wrote:
“Like I said yesterday we all are to blame for the situation we are in and considering everything you’ve done for me a thank you will never be enough.
But I’m very grateful for you believing in me and for giving me the chance to represent this club. I wish you and your family all the best! 🙏🏼”
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire was dismissed in the humiliating 4-1 defeat to Watford on Saturday, which acted as the final nail in the coffin for Solskjaer. The Englishman did produce some impressive performances under Solskjaer but could not justify his potential.
The Manchester United skipper, who must feel partially responsible for Solskjaer’s departure, took to Twitter to express gratitude to the club legend.
Maguire wrote:
“You signed me for the best club in the world and gave me the biggest honour in football. Huge respect and forever grateful.
Thankyou for everything boss.
Legend 🔴”
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, who signed for Manchester United in the summer, is being criticized for playing a part in Solskjaer’s departure. Many believe Ronaldo was not happy with the coach and ultimately played a role in his dismissal.
The Portugal international’s Instagram post, however, was full of nostalgia, love, and gratitude, all pointing towards a fulfilling relationship between the two.
Ronaldo’s tweet read:
“He’s been my striker when I first came to Old Trafford and he’s been my coach since I came back to Man. United. But most of all, Ole is an outstanding human being. I wish him the best in whatever his life has reserved for him.
Good luck, my friend!
You deserve it! 🙏🏽”
