Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked by Manchester United after a humiliating 4-1 defeat at Watford.

The Norwegian's position was the subject of an emergency board meeting following the capitulation at Vicarage Road yesterday.

A statement on the Manchester United website reads: "Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager.

"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."

United added that Michael Carrick will take charge of the forthcoming games, while the club looks to appoint an “interim manager” for the rest of the season.

After the match yesterday, Hornets' head coach Claudio Ranieri urged the Red Devils to be patient and give Solskjaer more time in charge.

He said: “I think he must be calm, also the chairman must be calm because football is up and down. I understand United can’t do up and down but he must have time to build his actions as a team.”

However, his words have fallen on deaf ears, with the Manchester United board wasting no time in removing their former striker from his position.