'I knew Man Utd were sacking me at half-time before I apologised like Michael Carrick'

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Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reflected on when he knew his reign was coming to an end

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knew his time as Manchester United manager was over at half-time during his final match as boss. While Michael Carrick is expected to remain in charge for United’s next game after their dismal defeat by Como, Solskjaer was aware that his reign was over as the club headed to a 4-1 loss against Watford in November 2021.

The former United striker was in charge of the Red Devils for almost three years. Similar to Carrick, the 53-year-old was initially a temporary fix before being appointed manager permanently.

Last season, Carrick enjoyed success as he guided United to third in the table, but his tenure hit a low on Wednesday with a humbling 4-1 defeat by Como in the Champions League. The United boss has won just two of 11 games so far this term and his side are winless in seven.

The 45-year-old apologetically raised his hands to travelling United supporters after full-time in Como. Despite the defeat, Carrick is set to take charge against Bournemouth on Sunday. However, Solskjaer knew he would not be given a similar reprieve after seeing his side fall short for the first 45 minutes against Watford in 2021, with United 2-0 down at the interval.

> “Nobody told me, but I knew at half-time against Watford,” United icon Solskjaer recalled to The Athletic in 2023. “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.”

In the immediate aftermath, Solskjaer was quick to apologise to United supporters for his team’s display.

> "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. > > “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 sacked by United the day after his team’s 4-1 defeat at Vicarage Road. Carrick, who was part of the Norwegian’s coaching staff throughout his reign, sent a similar message to supporters as he reeled from the loss to Como.

> “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 will hope his side can produce a positive response against Bournemouth as his job comes under increasing scrutiny. United will aim to end their winless run on Sunday, with the club preparing to host the Cherries at Old Trafford.

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