Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he knew his time as Manchester United manager was over at half-time during his final match in charge, a 4-1 defeat to Watford in November 2021.
The former United striker, who spent nearly three years at the helm, initially served as interim coach before being appointed permanently, much like current boss Michael Carrick.
Half-time realisation against Watford
Speaking to The Athletic in 2023, Solskjaer recalled the moment during the opening 45 minutes against Watford, with United trailing 2-0 at the break.
"Nobody told me, but I knew at half-time against Watford," Solskjaer said. "We didn't look like a Man United team; the players weren't running for each other."
"At half-time, I told the players it was probably going to be the last time we worked together and to play with pride. We almost turned it around, until Harry Maguire got sent off."
Apology to supporters
In the immediate aftermath of the defeat, Solskjaer offered his apologies to United supporters for his side's performance.
"I feel for the fans. I feel the same as the fans," Solskjaer said at the time. "We're embarrassed losing the way we do. We are in a very bad run and bad situation. But that is part of football. I know they will support the team and the players on the pitch every single day. Sometimes you have to say sorry, and that was a sorry for the performance."
Solskjaer was dismissed by United the day after the 4-1 thrashing at Vicarage Road.
Carrick delivers similar message after Como loss
Carrick, who served as part of Solskjaer's coaching staff throughout his tenure, delivered a strikingly similar message to supporters following a chastening 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League.
"I have to apologise to the supporters," Carrick said. "I went over to the end, and I care about this football club as much as anyone, if not more, with the position that I'm in and what I value this football club. For us to play in that way, it's not acceptable. It wasn't a good performance at all."
The United boss added: "We might win, we might lose, but the way we went about it tonight, I wouldn't say everyone, but the way we went about it in some ways tonight wasn't acceptable. And I just wanted to let the fans know that I feel for them, for sure."
Carrick has secured just two victories from 11 matches so far this term, and his team are without a win in seven. Despite the setback, he is expected to oversee the team against Bournemouth on Sunday, with United set to welcome the Cherries to Old Trafford as they seek to halt their winless streak.
