Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking was inevitable and following a disastrous 4-1 defeat to Watford at the weekend, the Norwegian was missed by Manchester United officials.
Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek struggled on the Norwegian but in the first game in the post-Solskjaer era, both players were handed a start by caretaker manager Michael Carrick.
Van de Beek scored the last goal of Solskjaer’s reign and Sancho has now scored the most recent of Carrick’s stint. The 21-year-old rifled United into a 2-0 lead moments before the full-time whistle against Villarreal.
Following the game, Van de Beek was seen celebrating with Sancho in the clearest indication that the pair have been handed a new lease of life following Solskjaer’s departure.
Read more: (Video) Scholes rejects idea of Carrick managing Man Utd for the rest of the season
The victory over Villarreal ensured United’s passage to the next round of the Champions League, with only one point required in the final game against Young Boys to seal first place.
Before then, a game against Chelsea awaits Carrick. Thomas Tuchel’s side are currently top of the Premier League and represents his hardest test so far.
