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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.
Next Manchester United managerShow all 8 1 /8Next Manchester United manager Next Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - 1/5 Not considered a candidate upon accepting the caretaker's job, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now the front-runner after restoring harmony to Old Trafford. The former Manchester United striker has reintroduced an attacking, direct brand of football that has rejuvenated hopes of a top-four finish.
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Next Manchester United manager Mauricio Pochettino - 10/3 For years, Mauricio Pochettino is said to have had his eye on only two jobs in world football – Real Madrid and Manchester United. However, the Tottenham manager was recently tied down to a new five-year contract which lasts until 2023.
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Next Manchester United manager Zinedine Zidane - 9/1 When Jose Mourinho looked to be on the brink earlier in the season, Zinedine Zidane was considered the front-runner to replace him as Manchester United manager. However, links to Zidane, who left left Real Madrid at the end of last season after winning three successive Champions Leagues, have quietened in the time since.
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Next Manchester United manager Massimiliano Allegri - 16/1 Massimiliano Allegri was Arsenal’s preferred candidate to replace Arsene Wenger and has expressed a desire to one day manage in the Premier League. Allegri has won four consecutive Serie A titles with the Old Lady, as well as twice finishing as runners-up in the Champions League.
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Next Manchester United manager Antonio Conte - 25/1 Antonio Conte, who enjoyed a feud with Mourinho last season, is another high-profile candidate to be currently out of work. The former Chelsea manager was the front-runner to take over at Real Madrid earlier this season after Julen Lopetegui was sacked.
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Next Manchester United manager Laurent Blanc - 33/1 Laurent Blanc is currently unattached after leaving Paris Saint-Germain in 2016 after winning three successive Ligue 1 titles. Blanc left on mutual terms and is yet to take up another position, said to be holding out for the right opportunity.
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Next Manchester United manager Michael Carrick - 50/1 Michael Carrick joined United's backroom staff upon retirement as a player at the end of last season. A popular figure in the Old Trafford dressing room, he is unlikely to step up into management any time soon.
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Next Manchester United manager Ryan Giggs - 100/1 Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs was player-coach at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal and briefly took caretaker charge after David Moyes' reign. However, Giggs is highly unlikely to give up his role as the manager of Wales.
Reuters
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."
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