After several seasons of continuous losses, draws and unsatisfying wins, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been taken off the wheels of Manchester United. His role as the club’s manager has been terminated.
The club announced the decision on Sunday through its Twitter handle: “Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager.”
The decision came following another woeful result on Saturday. The Manchester club disappointedly fell 4-1 to underdog club, Watford, compounding the underperformance that has characterized Man U right from before Ole was appointed as the Manager.
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“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,” Man U said in a statement confirming Ole’s sack.
In the latest series of the losses culminating to his sack, Ole led Man U to humiliating 5 0 defeat to Liverpool, and 2 0 derby loss to Manchester rivals, Man City. The recent losses escalated the #OleOut hashtag that has remained a regular trend for long. “Ole on the wheels”, which became a slogan due to the redemptive emotionalism ignited by his appointment in 2018, eventually became eclipsed by the disapproving #OleOut.
Ole has been under intense pressure to win games as severe criticism by supporters of Man United became a weekly thing, which aggravated with every match he lost. In his three seasons at the helm at Old Trafford, Ole won no trophies and Man U is currently 12 points below Premier League leaders Chelsea.
The #OleOut calls by fans have been answered by Man United hierarchy. But then it leaves a vacuum in the club that needs to be meticulously filled. But who will fill the vacuum? Who will take the wheels of Man U in the place of Ole?
Cristiano Ronaldo, who was signed in the summer in the hope of helping Man U overcome its subpar performance, is understood to have a preference for Spanish national team coach, Luis Enrique. The Spaniard has successful records during his time as Barcelona’s manager in 2015, winning the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey, and currently, has led Spain to World Cup qualification. Given these records, Ronaldo believes Enrique fits what is needed at Man United now.
On the other hand, fans are clamoring for former Real Madrid coach, Zinedine Zidane, who left the Galaticos last summer. Zidane led Real Madrid to win both domestic and European leagues titles, and is a person of interest in ‘who takes the wheels of Man U?’ case.
Another candidate under consideration is Ajax coach, Erik Ten Hag, whose contract with the Dutch side runs until 2023. But it is understood that Ajax is not willing to let him go, narrowing the choices for Man United.
Among the coaches under Man U’s consideration, it is understood that PSG’ coach, Mauricio Pochettino, is the top target. The former Tottenham Hotspur manager is said to have caught the interest of the Red Devils due to his work at the French side. PSG is currently leading the Lique 1 table with 12 points.
Having attained his legendary status during his time as Man U player, Ole was chosen to do what his predecessors, including Jose Morinho, Luis Van Gall and David Moyes, couldn’t do. Revamp Manchester United to become a team to beat, not only in England, but also in Europe. His failure to achieve that aim has not only added to the growing list of failed coaches at the Old Trafford, it has also made his replacement, a more daunting task.
Man u said “Michael Carrick will now take charge of the team for forthcoming games, while the club looks to appoint an interim manager to the end of the season.” It will be a long search. And whoever takes the wheels, will have to be a better driver.