Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that “it is time for me to step aside” following his departure as Manchester United manager. The club officially parted company with Solskjaer on Sunday morning after a shocking 4-1 defeat to Watford on Saturday afternoon. In a departing message to fans, the Norwegian also went on to say that he hopes he has left the club in “a better state” than when he arrived and knows he leaves United “with a better squad”. Speaking to the club media, he said: “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: “I’m so honoured and privileged to have been trusted to take the club forward, and I really hope that I leave it in a better state than when I came.” The 48-year-old also confirmed he felt “backed” by the club. He said: “The board and the owners have backed me in (terms of) bringing good people in, good players in and I think, or I know, I leave this club with a better squad.”
Solskjaer has also encouraged the players to “trust themselves” ahead of United’s Champions League group-stage game against Villarreal on Tuesday, “As I’ve said to them this morning as well, trust yourselves, you know we’re better than this,” he said. “We’ve not been able to show it but go out, chest out, enjoy being a Man United player, in the Champions League, on the biggest stage.