Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been deeply moved by his forced departure from Manchester United. The Norwegian, who was sacked as manager of . on Saturday after a 4-1 loss at Watford the Red Devils, looks back on his working days in a farewell interview on the club’s channels. When Solskjaer talks about what he has to leave behind in Manchester, tears well up in his eyes.
In the interview, Solskjaer first of all shows his understanding for the club’s decision to fire him. “You know how much the club means to me and what I wanted to achieve here,” said Solskjaer. “For the club, for the fans, for the players, for the staff… I wanted to compete for the title and I wanted to win trophies . I leave through the front door because I think everyone knows I gave everything for the club. Manchester United mean everything to me and together we are a good match, but unfortunately I couldn’t get the results we needed. It’s time for me to step aside.”
United. always.
????#MUFC pic.twitter.com/H57iPf0KuZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) Nov 21, 2021
Before the Norwegian finally left, he gave his group of players encouraging words. “I said to them this morning, ‘Trust yourself. You know we’re better than we’ve shown lately. Keep your chest out and enjoy your time as a Manchester United player.’” Solskjaer also emphasized his good starting position in the Champions League, where his former club as the leader of Group F still has good papers for the knockout phase. “You play Champions League, on the highest podium… win one more time and you are through.”
On Sunday morning it was announced by the club that Michael Carrick will temporarily take over Solskjaer’s duties until an interim manager is found who will complete the season at Old Trafford. Solskjaer has every confidence in the qualities of his former assistant. “I have an extraordinary amount of respect for Michael. I love Michael very much.” Then Solskjaer shoots full. “I’m getting emotional now, because he’s a top player. They’ll be fine. I will continue to watch them and encourage them.”
Solskjaer was appointed in December 2018 to succeed the fired Jose Mourinho. When he arrived, Manchester United was in sixth place and that is where the club eventually finished. In the following seasons, a third and second place in the competition followed. In the current season, however, the performance is a lot less. Manchester United are in seventh place in the Premier League and have already suffered several devastating defeats, including at home against Liverpool (0-5).