Manchester United supporters’ group demands club appoint ‘football expertise’ and backs Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

MUST has called on executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to make major structural changes to the way the club operates off the pitch following the sacking of Jose Mourinho

The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) has called on executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to make major structural changes to the way the club operates off the pitch following the sacking of Jose Mourinho on Tuesday.

MUST gave its backing to the appointment of caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who will take charge for the first time when United visit his former club Cardiff City on Saturday, but the group also demanded “football expertise” is put in charge of “football decisions”.

In a statement, MUST said: “United need a lift and our ultimate super-sub, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is just the man for the job. He’s been a long-term backer of fans and a patron of MUST, so we know he understands our support and what we are looking for from a manager.

“Whilst Ole is at the helm, the club needs to make the big structural changes to equip us to compete in modern football. The club must put football expertise in charge of football decisions, especially in respect of selection of the next manager and player transfers.

“Manchester United fans have shown phenomenal support to the team through the recent difficult period. We know all fans will continue to back the team and we expect to see the players giving their all for the club and the supporters. We know Ole will.”

Woodward is seen as the most influential figure at the club, but United have said they will search for a director of football to be put in place before the next permanent head coach is appointed.