Manchester United news: Ed Woodward hints at why he sacked Jose Mourinho

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been appointed as United's interim manager after Mourinho was sacked on Tuesday morning

Ed Woodward has hinted he sacked Jose Mourinho after he failed to "unite" the Manchester United dressing room.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been appointed as United's interim manager after Mourinho was sacked on Tuesday morning after two-and-a-half years at the helm.

United have suffered a dismal start to the season with the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday ultimately proving the final straw.

Mourinho has been plagued with talk of unrest behind the scenes and The Independent understands the vast majority of the squad wanted him to leave.

And it appears Woodward pulled the trigger for that very reason.

Speaking upon the appointment of Solskjaer until the end of the season.

"Ole is a club legend with huge experience, both on the pitch and in coaching roles," he said. "His history at Manchester United means he lives and breathes the culture here and everyone at the club is delighted to have him and Mike Phelan back.

"We are confident they will unite the players and the fans as we head into the second half of the season.”

Solskjaer, a hometown hero after a glittering playing career at Old Trafford, returns to a club he feels great affection for.

"Manchester United is in my heart and it’s brilliant to be coming back in this role. I’m really looking forward to working with the very talented squad we have, the staff and everyone at the club."