After an emergency board meeting, English football club Manchester United sacked manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the team’s 4-1 loss to Watford. Solskjaer’s reign has been under scrutiny for some time now, as United were easily defeated by rivals Liverpool 5-0 and Manchester City 2-0. This “embarrassing’” and “very, very poor” loss was the final straw for the Manchester United board. Manchester United’s statement on the departure of their manager says,

“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager.

Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision. While the past few weeks have been disappointing, they should not obscure all the work he has done over the past three years to rebuild the foundations for long-term success.

Ole leaves with our sincerest thanks for his tireless efforts as Manager and our very best wishes for the future. His place in the club’s history will always be secure, not just for his story as a player, but as a great man and a Manager who gave us many great moments. He will forever be welcome back at Old Trafford as part of the Manchester United family.”

United will now look to assistant manager Michael Carrick to lead them into their next Champions League match against Villarreal and beyond until an interim manager is appointed. “Michael Carrick will now take charge of the team for forthcoming games, while the club looks to appoint an interim manager to the end of the season.”

United sits seventh on the Premier League table, having won only one of their past five matches. In Europe, they sit at the top of their Champions League group with two matches remaining. Their crucial match with Villarreal, who are equal with them on seven points, may determine who progresses to the knockout stages.