Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he knew his Manchester United reign was over at half-time during his final match in charge, a 4-1 defeat at Watford in November 2021. The former United manager, who spent almost three years at the helm, said no one told him directly, but he could sense the end was near as his side trailed 2-0 at the interval.
The admission comes as current boss Michael Carrick faces similar scrutiny after a 4-1 Champions League loss to Como on Wednesday, a result that extended United's winless run to seven matches. Carrick, who worked under Solskjaer as part of his coaching staff, is expected to remain in charge for Sunday's Premier League clash with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer's Half-Time Realisation
Reflecting on his final game, Solskjaer told The Athletic in 2023: "Nobody told me, but I knew at half-time against Watford. We didn't look like a Man United team; the players weren't running for each other."
He added: "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."
Solskjaer, who was initially appointed as a temporary fix before being given the job permanently, apologised to supporters after the defeat. "I feel for the fans. I feel the same as the fans," he 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."
Carrick's Apology After Como Defeat
Carrick, who has won just two of 11 games this season, issued a similar apology after the Como loss. "I have to apologise to the supporters," he 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."
He 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."
What's Next for United
Solskjaer was sacked the day after the Watford defeat, but Carrick is set to lead United against Bournemouth on Sunday as the club looks to end its winless streak. The match at Old Trafford will be a test of whether Carrick can avoid the same fate as his former boss.
