Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been relieved of his duties at Manchester United following a three-year spell at the club, having initially arrived on an interim arrangement after Jose Mourinho’s departure in 2018.
The 48-year-old was deservedly rewarded with a new three-year contract over the summer, having overseen steady progression in his two full campaigns in charge.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t gone to plan for the manager and he has now been sacked just four months into his fresh terms, the club confirmed on Sunday morning.
In the statement published by the club, it was confirmed that Michael Carrick would take interim charge of the club as the club begin their search for Solskjaer’s long-term replacement.
Now, the leading journalists close to Manchester United have confirmed what United’s coaching setup will look like following the sacking of Solskjaer.
According to several journalists, as seen below, Kieran McKenna and Mike Phelan will remain at the club despite Solskjaer’s departure.
Mike Phelan and Kieran McKenna will stay at Manchester United as things stand – after Michael Carrick asked this morning for both to help in the backroom staff. 🔴 #MUFC
Manchester United are working to find an interim manager as soon as possible.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 21, 2021
Mike Phelan and Kieran McKenna are staying at #mufc
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) November 21, 2021
Believe only Ole Gunnar Solskjaer departs for now.
Kieran McKenna + Mike Phelan to assist Michael Carrick.
Darren Fletcher still has hybrid technical director/coaching role.
United had no plans to dismiss Solskjaer but Watford made clear change needed.#MUFC
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) November 21, 2021
Phelan and McKenna are staying at #MUFC
— Charlotte Duncker (@CharDuncker) November 21, 2021
Read more: Gary Neville reacts to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being sacked by Man Utd
SN’s verdict on the news…
The news of McKenna and Phelan staying on at the club is additional confirmation that a succession plan was not in place and that Solskjaer’s departure was unexpected.
Clearly, not a lot of thought was given to the possibility of Solskjaer leaving the club imminently. The official statement made by the club hints at an interim appointment until the end of the season and if that is an external appointment, the coaches are expected to leave.
Supporters would have liked to see a clean break but for now, several of some same figures will remain in charge of the United side.
Are they staying for the time being ? Surely if we get an outsider in as intern they will can’t to bring in their own backroom team?