Solskjaer sacked as Man Utd manager

Martin Macdonald

• 21 Nov 2021 10:35 GMT
• 4 min read

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked as manager of Manchester United following a poor start to the season that has seen the club win just five of their opening 12 Premier League games.

The Norwegian was once again backed in the transfer market in the summer, as the club brought in Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, despite having a star-studded squad at his disposal, Solskjaer has been unable to put together a title challenge, while his tactical acumen has been called into question throughout his tenure at Old Trafford.

Man Utd have had a series of poor results so far in 2021/22, losing at home to Aston Villa and away at Leicester in the Premier League, being knocked out of the League Cup by West Ham and being defeated by Young Boys in the Champions League.

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The worst performance undoubtedly came against Liverpool, though, as the Red Devils were embarrassed by their arch rivals in a 5-0 loss on their own patch.

Jurgen Klopp's side dismantled Man Utd with ease, scoring five through Naby Keita, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian netting a hat-trick.

It was one of Man Utd's darkest days in their entire history, as Solskjaer admitted himself.

Unfortunately for the Norwegian manager, that performance was then made worse by Manchester City's comfortable 2-0 win over the Old Trafford side and then a 4-1 defeat to Watford.

Though a popular figure among the fans at the club, Solskjaer was eventually sacked with Man Utd sitting seventh in the Premier League.

Solskjaer's transfer record

Throughout his time at the club, no matter the results on the pitch, Solskjaer has been backed to succeed by the hierarchy, including chief executive Ed Woodward.

This is highlighted by the money he has been given in the transfer market, as since taking over as Man Utd boss in December 2018, he has spent nearly £400 million on new signings to build his squad.

When taking into account future fees and clauses, the spending far exceeds the £400m mark.

His biggest acquisition remains Harry Maguire, who cost £80m from Leicester.

The England international is now the club captain and although he has impressed at times, there remain question marks over his ability to perform at the very top level.

Man Utd chased Jadon Sancho's signature for well over a year and eventually got their man for £73m.

However, he is yet to score a goal or record an assist for his new club, with Solskjaer constantly taking him in and out of the starting XI.