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Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have finally parted ways following a 4-1 thrashing by Watford at Vicarage Road. It is safe to say that the sacking was imminent given the poor results suffered by the club.
There was a lack of identity to Manchester United's game, an issue which was never resolved by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Despite receiving constant support from the board, the Norwegian failed to take his opportunities which eventually led to his downfall.
Manchester United witnessed some memorable games under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over, Manchester United were a mess and a lot of things were to be fixed. The former United striker was able to resolve many of those issues which involved bringing the dressing room together.
Manchester United did have a good number of memorable games when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge. On that note, let's have a look at some of those fine matches:
#5 Manchester City (Premier League: 2-0)
Before the effects of Covid-19 pandemic picked up pace and shut down the football world, Manchester United hosted Manchester City at Old Trafford. It was their last Premier League game before the lockdown took place.
Manchester United under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were the underdogs with a daunting task to beat Manchester City managed by Pep Guardiola. The Red Devils surprised the Cityzens by taking the lead through Anthony Martial at the half hour mark by taking a quick free-kick.
Manchester City struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the game. As the game was nearing its end, goalkeeper Ederson threw a clearance straight at Scott McTominay. Using the right technique and composure, the Scotsman coolly slotted a long-range finish into an empty net, securing a 2-0 win for Manchester United.
It was a massive triumph for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as not many expected him to do that. The win extended Manchester United's unbeaten return to 10 games. United eventually finished second behind Manchester City in the Premier League.
#4 Leeds United (Premier League: 6-2)
Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United were earning a lot of praise for their free-flowing, fearless attacking football in the 2020-21 season. It was touted as an interesting affair when Manchester United hosted Leeds United at Old Trafford last December.
The Red Devils had an amazing start to the match as Scott McTominay scored twice in the first three minutes, shocking the visitors. It only got worse for Leeds United when Bruno Fernandes and Victor Lindelof scored in the 20th and 37th minute respectively.
After taking a four-goal advantage at half-time, Manchester United looked ruthless as they scored two more through Bruno Fernandes and Daniel James. Ultimately, the scoreline read 6-2 in favour of United.
Marcelo Bielsa's side had never conceded six goals in any competitive match before. It was also the first time Manchester United scored six goals in the league since their 8-2 win over Arsenal in 2011.
#3 Southampton (Premier League: 9-0)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United hosted Southampton at Old Trafford in February this year. Saints' Alexandre Jankewitz was sent off just two minutes after kick-off following a horrific tackle on Scott McTominay.
This triggered the beginning of a goal-fest at Old Trafford. Manchester United scored twice in 25 minutes through Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Marcus Rashford. An own goal from Jan Bednarek and a goal from Edinson Cavani saw the Red Devils score four times before half-time.
If the first half wasn't ruthless enough, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men shifted gears in the second half. Goals from Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Daniel James combined with a brace from Anthony Martial helped Manchester United score five more. Bednarek was sent off in the 86th minute with the final score ending as a 9-0 win for the Red Devils.
Manchester United had seven different scorers in the match, becoming the second side to achieve so. The loss was Southampton's biggest away defeat in their history.
#2 RB Leipzig (UEFA Champions League: 5-0)
RB Leipzig had earned a lot of plaudits when managed by then manager Julian Nagelsmann. The German club had a reputation for being direct and very effective with their pressing.
Manchester United hosted Leipzig in their UEFA Champions League group stage match in October last year. Mason Greenwood opened the scoring for the Red Devils courtesy of a defence-splitting pass from Paul Pogba in the 28th minute. The first half ended with a single-goal lead for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his team.
Second-half substitute Marcus Rashford killed the game with quick goals in the 74th and 78th minute before completing his hat-trick in injury time. Anthony Martial also contributed with a goal with the final scoreline reading 5-0. It was a massive performance from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United.
What was even more impressive about the win was how comfortable the Red Devils looked at the back. It was a stunning effort from the Premier League giants on a memorable European night.
#1 Paris Saint-Germain (UEFA Champions League: 3-1)
Speaking of memorable European nights, nothing can top this for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United. After trailing by two goals in the first leg at Old Trafford, Manchester United visited Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2019.
Given the squad of both teams, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team were written off to register a comeback.
That being said, the French side were shocked in the seconnd minute when Romelu Lukaku capitalized on Thilo Kehrer's blind backpass. Manchester United's hopes of a comeback were shortlived when Juan Bernat scored for Paris Saint-Germain.
But it all changed when Marcus Rashford's shot was spilled by Gianluigi Buffon, allowing Lukaku to score his second goal of the game.
The game got nervy with time as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his players started losing hope. In the dying minutes of the game, Diogo Dalot's long-range effort hit the arm of Presnel Kimpembe in the box. Manchester United were awarded a penalty as a result.
Marcus Rashford had the composure to slot it home as the Red Devils made a remarkable comeback in Paris. The match ended 3-1 with the aggregate score reading 3-3. Manchester United moved into the quarter-finals on away goals, making it a memorable achievement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
