Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken publicly for the first time since being sacked as Manchester United manager, saying he is “honoured” to have been given the opportunity and hopes he leaves the club in a “better state”.
Solskjaer was sacked as United manager on Sunday after an “embarrassing” 4-1 defeat at Watford, with Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino the club’s top target to take over next summer.
United have confirmed Solskjaer’s assistant Michael Carrick will be placed in temporary charge, with the club also revealing their intention to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season.
Speaking for the first time since his dismissal, Solskjaer told United’s official website: “It’s not for everyone and I’ve had the opportunity. I’m so honoured and privileged to have been trusted to take the club forward.
“I really hope I leave it in a better state than when I came.
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“The board and the owners have backed me in (terms of) bringing good people in, good players in and I think, or I know, I leave this club with a better squad.
“I made great friends and I’ve reconnected with some great friends. New staff coming in I’ve become really good friends with and the other staff who were here before we’re good friends and we’ve connected. That’s what it’s about at a club like this.
“The fans have been amazing. From day one at Cardiff until the last one now, so it’s been top and we’ll see each other again.”
Solskjaer signed a new three-year deal in July but leaves United after a run of five defeats in their past seven Premier League matches sees them fall 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.
United finished second to Manchester City last season, as well as losing the Europa League final to Villarreal after a marathon penalty shoot-out, and Solskjaer accepts he paid the price for failing to “take the next step”.
“I wanted us to take the next step to challenge for the league, to win trophies, but unfortunately I couldn’t get the results we needed and it’s time for me to step aside,” the Norwegian said.
“Second place last season ahead of arguably one of the best teams in Europe (Liverpool), I think that’s a great achievement as well.
“And we were so close in Europe. Sometimes that’s the fine margin for you, one penalty.”
Former Tottenham boss Pochettino is United’s first choice as Solskjaer’s permanent replacement, with Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag understood to be second on the club’s shortlist.
Pochettino was heavily linked with United following his sacking by Spurs in November 2019 but eventually joined PSG in January 2021. Sky Sports News has been told Ten Hag would “100 per cent be interested in the job” in the summer. Both men have contracts at the current clubs until 2023.
“I want him to be successful,” Solskjaer said of his successor. Hopefully I’ve laid the foundations for that to happen because I know I’m good at what I’m doing.
“I don’t want to pre-empt anything but the two times I’ve left Molde, they’ve won the league the year after, so all the best to whoever takes over – that’s the expectations.
“I know the foundation is there, I know they’re ready to kick on and I’m sure they will.”
More to follow…