Manchester United’s calamitous defeat against Watford is set to have disastrous ramifications for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was already fighting to keep his job prior to the 4-1 humbling.
As the reactions to the defeat trickled in on social media, journalist and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Manchester United were in talks over sacking Solskjaer.
Despite their lacklustre display against the London club, the defeat on Saturday afternoon seems to have struck a chord with some Manchester United stars.
According to the Manchester Evening News, some players and staff were left in tears after the game, with first-team players now expecting the Norwegian to be sacked. Furthermore, many United players believe the game against Watford was Solskjaer’s final time managing the side. It is, however, specified that United are yet to inform Solskjaer about their intention to sack him.
The defeat to Watford has left the Reds seventh in the Premier League table and with just 17 points after 12 games, which includes a run of just one win in their last seven league games.
Read more: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said his goodbyes to staff and players following Watford defeat
SN’s verdict on the latest reports…
Regardless of what you think of Solskjaer as a manager, he clearly maintained a strong relationship with his players throughout this dismal run.
After the full-time whistle at Vicarage Road, Bruno Fernandes was visibly upset to see some fans jeering Solskjaer as the players went over to thank their travelling supporters.
Solskjaer remains a hero in the eyes of large sections of the Manchester United support and the disastrous start to the season won’t change that, even though it does look like he will be stepping down imminently.
The 48-year-old will instead hope that he is credited with building the strongest United squad in a decade. His successor won’t need to rebuild as he did three years ago. Instead, the next manager will inherit a strong squad that is ready to challenge immediately.