Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly told Manchester United players to respect Ole Gunnar Solskjaer despite believing the 48-year-old wasn’t up to scratch.
The Norwegian lost his job at Old Trafford on Sunday, being sacked just hours after a 4-1 battering at the hands of Watford. And Michael Carrick will now temporarily be in charge for upcoming matches against Villarreal and Chelsea.
Manchester United were outplayed by Watford on Saturday, conceding four goals on a dreadful afternoon at Vicarage Road.
And Solskjaer was then relieved of his duties in the aftermath of the contest after nearly three years in charge.
United have lost seven of their last 13 matches across all competitions, something that certainly wasn’t expected after a summer of strong investment.
And the Manchester Evening News have now elaborated on Ronaldo’s stance on their current crisis.
It’s claimed the 36-year-old had ‘quickly concluded’ Solskjaer would not succeed at the helm.
But he told his team-mates to remain professional and respect the Norwegian. However, while that’s the case, his agent was reportedly ‘doing anything but’.
Mendes was supposedly calling on Solskjaer to go, seeking reassurances action was underway.
And he ultimately got his wish, with United bringing their former striker’s reign to an end.
Now, attentions are turning towards who will replace Solskjaer in the Old Trafford dugout.
Carrick has been placed in caretaker charge, even though players have doubts about his suitability to the role.
Laurent Blanc could come in until the end of the campaign, while Steve Bruce is said to believe he can succeed in the role.
When it comes to permanent successors to Solskjaer, several names are in the frame.
Mauricio Pochettino seems to be frontrunner for the role, with the Paris Saint-Germain boss far from happy in France.
Brendan Rodgers has been mooted as a possible replacement, even if he’s stressed his commitment to Leicester City.
Likewise Erik ten Hag at Ajax, with the Dutchman shrugging off questions over the role on Sunday.
And Luis Enrique also ruled himself out, asking if it was ‘April fools day’ when it was put to him over the weekend.
Solskjaer, meanwhile, has opened up on his time at United – insisting the club ‘means everything’ to him.
“You know what this club means to me and what I wanted to achieve here,” he said.
“For the club, for the fans, for the players, for the staff.
“I wanted us to take the next step to challenge for the league, to win trophies and I only think it’s right that it comes from the horse’s mouth.
“I don’t want to answer all… there’s going to be journalists asking me about interviews but no, I’m not going to do any interviews.
“I want to get it out there, I’m going to leave by the front door, because I think everyone knows I’ve given everything for this club.
“This club means everything to me and together we’re a good match, but unfortunately I couldn’t get the results we needed and it’s time for me to step aside.”
He added: “It’s been a ball.
“Let’s keep supporting this team, you’ve got to stick with them.
“They [the fans] have been amazing with me since one of my first kicks of the ball, I scored with one of the first ones, until now.
“And I’m sure we’ll meet again because if there’s anywhere I’m going to watch football games, that’s at Old Trafford.”