OFFICIAL: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked by Man Utd

Man Utd have announced that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked as manager. The club revealed the news in a statement at around 10.30am local time (11:30 CET) on Sunday morning.

An emergency board meeting was called following Man Utd's humiliating 4-1 defeat at Watford where it was decided to dismiss the Norwegian after almost three years in charge. Despite some board members reportedly wanting to keep him on until a replacement such as Zinedine Zidane became available, the decision was made to dismiss the Norwegian immediately.

Michael Carrick will now be the caretaker for Tuesday's huge Champions League match at Villarreal while the club revealed that they are looking to appoint an interim manager for the rest of the season. Despite the recent set of results, Man Utd's statement makes it clear that the ex-player remains much loved at the club.

"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," the statement began.

Man Utd even went further than that and revealed he will also be welcome back at the club with open arms. "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."

Solskjaer led United to 3rd and 2nd in the Premier League in his two full seasons at the club while he took them to last season's Europa League final which saw them lose 11-10 on penalties to Villarreal.

Man Utd are currently 7th on 17 points, six points off the Champions League places and 12 points off leaders Chelsea.