Solskjaer reveals lines before Man Utd sack after players burst into tears

FORMER Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he received a dreaded text message from CEO Ed Woodward before he was sacked.

The legendary Red Devils striker, who scored arguably the club’s most iconic goal and won the 1999 Champions League final, took charge at Old Trafford in December 2018 following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

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Initially he was an interim coach, but the now 51-year-old Norwegian ultimately held this role for almost three years.

He guided them to a Champions League quarter-final in 2019 and a Premier League runner-up finish two years later.

But in November 2021, after a run of just one win in seven games, Solskjaer was dropped following a 4-1 defeat to Watford.

And he has now confirmed that it was a text message from Woodward that led to his dismissal.

Speaking Stick to footballhe said: “At half-time against Watford I knew, that was it.

“So the team talk at halftime was about ‘Whoever wants to play can play, raise your hand if you don’t want to play’. I made a few changes, a few guys were even in tears, and they had a go.

“After the game I knew, but I didn’t hear anything. But I still knew.

“The next morning you get a text: ‘I want to see you in my office.’ So I knew.

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‘I had just left my wife at the airport and then texted her: ‘I think I’ll come back with you.’

“I sat with Ed for about five minutes [Woodward] and then I stayed and talked to some guys and did an interview because I had to do well.

“I’ve always seen managers quit… like they’re going to rip someone off two months later… that’s not me. I’m like, ‘No, I want to do it now, tell everyone I’m proud and privileged’ move on.” .”

Solskjaer, who left with a win percentage of 54.17, also insisted nothing had been discussed about his future prior to the defeat at Watford.

But he claims he knew his time as head coach was over because “some players stopped running” while others stopped “believing.”

Solskjaer left Man Utd seventh in the Premier League when Austrian Ralf Rangnick succeeded him until the end of the season.

But little improved following the change of manager as they finished the campaign sixth.

Erik ten Hag was then appointed in the summer of 2022, months after Woodward’s nine-year spell as Man Utd boss came to an end.

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