Solskjaer sacked: Neville thanks Ole for ´restoring some soul´ at Man Utd

Gary Neville has thanked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for “restoring some soul” at Manchester United after the Norwegian’s near three-year reign at the club was brought to an end.

United confirmed Solskjaer’s departure in a club statement on Sunday, a day on from a 4-1 loss at Watford that the club legend described as “embarrassing”.

That defeat to Watford – United’s fifth in their last seven Premier League games – proved to be the final straw, with Michael Carrick taking temporary charge of the Red Devils.

Solskjaer, who was appointed on an initial caretaker basis in December 2018, leaves Old Trafford with a win percentage of 54.2 per cent across his 168 games in charge.

That is the second highest of United’s four permanent managers since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, behind predecessor Jose Mourinho’s 58.3 per cent from 144 matches.

While Solskjaer failed to win any silverware in three seasons at the helm, Neville believes his former team-mate deserves credit for other aspects of his work.

“Thank you Ole. You did us proud,” Neville posted on Twitter shortly after Solskjaer’s sacking was confirmed.

“The last two months were tough but before that you restored some soul into the club.”

Since Solskjaer’s first game in charge – a 5-1 win over former club Cardiff City – only Liverpool (242) and Manchester City (244) have collected more points than United’s 197.

However, the 17 points United have collected from their opening 12 games this term is their second-lowest tally in the Premier League era, behind the 16 accrued in 2019-20, also under Solskjaer.

United, who are seventh in the table, return to action next Sunday with a trip to league leaders Chelsea.