Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken the opportunity to say goodbye in a final interview, as he leaves his role as manager of Manchester United.
I have been gutted over the news all day.
Not because I was naïve to it becoming reality, but because we were all desperate to see Ole succeed and it’s a real shame that it had to end this way.
The sacking was announced at 10:30am on Sunday morning after tons of speculation on Saturday night when the writing was on the wall for the Norwegian, after losing 4-1 against Watford at Vicarage Road.
It does feel a bit brutal to be listening to Solskjaer speak just moments after hearing he had been fired, but credit to him for showing his appreciation to the players, the staff, the fans and everyone at Manchester United for their efforts.
“You know what this club means to me and what I wanted to achieve here,” Solskjaer told club media on Sunday (via ManUtd.com).
“For the club, for the fans, for the players, for the staff. I wanted us to take the next step to challenge for the league, to win trophies and I only think it’s right that it comes from the horse’s mouth. I don’t want to answer all… there’s going to be journalists asking me about interviews but no, I’m not going to do any interviews. I want to get it out there, I’m going to leave by the front door, because I think everyone knows I’ve given everything for this club. This club means everything to me and together we’re a good match, but unfortunately I couldn’t get the results we needed and it’s time for me to step aside.”
Watch the full interview courtesy of MUTV:
Solskjaer didn’t hide away from the fact he was backed by the board during his time in charge, so he can have complaints whatsoever over his sacking.
“Well, as I’ve said many times in interviews, I’ve been backed,” he added. “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. The environment is fantastic, it’s an environment I’m proud of leaving because you have to enjoy coming in here working. 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!”
Solskjaer also left a message for the fans, who he has enjoyed a fantastic relationship with both as a player and manager.
“It’s been a ball. Let’s keep supporting this team, you’ve got to stick with them. They’ve [the fans] been amazing with me since one of my first kicks on the ball, I scored with one of the first ones, until now. And I’m sure we’ll meet again because if there’s anywhere, I’m going to watch football games, that’s from Old Trafford.”
I am gutted for you i know that you care a much as us the fans do .shame some of the players don’t feel the same they should hang their heads in shame