Man Utd sack Solskjaer: The inside story of Old Trafford’s latest managerial mess

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer managing Manchester United was only ever supposed to be a temporary measure. 

He was the club hero brought in to repair the damage done by Jose Mourinho; to boost morale, get the team back on track and bring about a cultural reboot.

To that end, he succeeded.

But having been handed the reins on a permanent basis, he was suddenly tasked with returning the Red Devils back to the top of the English and European game.

Such a task has proven elusive for elite managers in the years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, and so it was for someone of Solskjaer’s lesser coaching capabilities too.

With United sitting 12 points off Premier League leaders Chelsea after just 12 games played following another humiliating defeat against Watford on Saturday, the board’s hands were forced, and Solskjaer dismissed.

It all started unravelling for Solskjaer after the 4-2 defeat at the hands of Leicester City on October 16.

Despite talks of a ‘crisis’ following United’s slow start to the season, there was real belief during the October international break that they could turn it around. But following their humbling at the King Power Stadium, players began to question whether the team were on the right path. 

Senior members of the squad began to question Solskjaer’s tactics while there was confusion as to why club captain Harry Maguire – who was at fault for at least one Leicester goal – had been picked to start, despite not being fully fit having been rushed back from injury.

It is not the first time Solskjaer’s decisions have left players bemused, either.

Solskjaer will be fondly remembered for all that he did in the healing process after Jose Mourinho’s reign, while on the pitch he did get the team to second place in the league and a Europa League final. But mounting a serious title challenge, even with over £450 million ($605m) spent on transfers, always looked beyond him. 

The belief is that Solskjaer has left Manchester United in a far better place than when he took over, but the interim manager that replaces him faces a huge task in getting the team back on track this season.