- 17 hours ago
‘Too late, damage done’ – football world reacts to Solskjaer sacking
Manchester United announced on Sunday that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked as manager.
The confirmation of the Norwegian's departure came after a shocking run of results, including embarrassing losses against Liverpool and Manchester City at Old Trafford.
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Solskjaer somehow survived those losses, but he position eventually became untenable after a 4-1 humbling away at Watford.
It was probably Man Utd's worst performance of the current campaign, and was compounded by a red card for captain Harry Maguire.
Following the loss, Solskjaer and his players were booed by the Man Utd away fans.
The massive news came on Sunday morning, with Twitter naturally going into meltdown with a flurry of reactions, both positive and negative.
Manchester United can confirm that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as Manager.
Thank you for everything, Ole ❤️#MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 21, 2021
Reaction to Solskjaer's dismissal
Perhaps the reaction that people immediately looked for was that of Gary Neville.
The Sky Sports pundit has been criticised over the past few weeks for refusing to call for Solskjaer's exit despite the clear drop in results and performances.
On Twitter, he paid tribute to Ole, saying:
"Thank you Ole. You did us proud . The last two months were tough but before that you restored some soul into the club."
Thank you Ole. You did us proud . The last two months were tough but before that you restored some soul into the club. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cseYVIFgqK
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) November 21, 2021
BBC Sport contributor Raj Chohan believes the damage has already been done this season and question why the club did not act to appoint Antonio Conte before Tottenham.
"Too late. Damage done. You should’ve done this ages ago and you’d now have one of the best coaches in world football in Antonio Conte in the dugout."
United We Stand editor Andy Mitten described the last couple of months as "horrendous", writing:
Best wishes to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Gave it a good shot and looked to be on the right lines, but the last two months have been horrendous under him. Sad that it came to this. Paris was incredible.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) November 21, 2021
In the announcement confirming Solskjaer's exit, Man Utd said that they would be seeking an interim manager until the end of the season.
This has been criticised by most, who have questioned the lack of a plan B an succession plan if Solskjaer were to leave.
Evening Standard writer James Robson wrote:
"United have given themselves time to get the right appointment, but have also effectively written off the season in November. No succession plan points to ongoing structural mess."
Chief Man Utd writer for the Manchester Evening News, Samuel Luckhurst, wrote:
"It's strange #mufc are seemingly prepared to write off a season when there are 26 games left in the league and two left in the Champions League group stage. Additional confirmation they had no succession plan in place."
More reactions:
Eight-and-a-half years on, Mourinho - ignored in 2013 for Moyes (!) and not backed six months after he signed a new contract in 2018 - remains by far and away #mufc's most successful manager post-Ferguson.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 21, 2021
It has to be the worst possible time for @ManUtd to be looking for a new manager. Early in the season with hardly any top managers available. The only obvious one available is Zidane but the language barrier is surely a huge issue. An interim manager looks likely - again.
— michael owen (@themichaelowen) November 21, 2021
With the World Cup 12 months away and some big coaches having already qualified, some may be tempted by a six-month stint as interim at Man Utd. Not sure LVG will be getting the call, though
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) November 21, 2021
— Fizzer18 (@Fizzer181) November 21, 2021
As Ole recently said: “My years at the club are not going to be defined by these few weeks.” A sad end but, when this funk is over, history will recognise the work he’s done. He’s given his all to move the club forward and enacted progress that will hugely benefit his successor.
— Steve Bartram (@stevebartram1) November 21, 2021