Solskjaer, an icon of the club, had been in charge of United for nearly three years but pressure on his position started building after humiliating losses to Liverpool and Man City despite having star players Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane in the squad.

The club heirarchy had a meeting early Sunday morning, November 21, and agreed to part ways with Solksjaer and will pay him a £7.5m severance fee due to the fact he signed a new 3 year deal in June

Posting on its social media platforms, Manchester United wrote “Manchester United can confirm that Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has left his role as manager. Thank you for everything Ole.’

In 165 games, Solksjaer had 91 Wins, 40 defeats and 34 draws.

Solskjaer spoke to captain Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Nemanja Matic in a 10 am meeting at Carrington, according to Sports Mail.

The 48-year-old wanted to discuss how United can turn the season around, and the tactical plan after switching to a back three in the last three games.

Solskjaer is desperate to get his team back on track at Watford on Saturday after a run of six defeats in 12 games including humiliations at the hands of Liverpool and Manchester City.

The Old Trafford hierarchy has resisted calls to sack Solskjaer, but might be forced to make serious decisions if he doesn’t turn things around going into a key period that will decide United’s European fate and includes league fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal.

Another defeat at Vicarage Road on Saturday or in Tuesday’s Champions League group tie at Villarreal would pile more pressure on the under-fire boss.

The Norwegian is expected to be in charge for Saturday’s trip to Watford, despite humiliating defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool in recent weeks. United sit sixth in the league table, nine points to leaders Chelsea. Their form has seen Solskjaer lose the support of his dressing room, with senior players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes said to be particularly angry with him.

Rio Ferdinand suggested Solskjaer should resign following the defeat to Pep Guardiola’s men, saying it’s time for the ‘baton to be handed over.

But The Sun claims that Solskjaer has absolutely no intention of stepping down at the Theatre of Dreams and is adamant that he can turn things around.

The report also said Solskjaer is angry that his reign is only being judged by the start of this season and he feels people are forgetting the success he’s had.

Brendan Rodgers is reportedly the board’s favourite to replace Solskjaer but the Norwegian could be given until the end of the season if he can turn things around.

The Norwegian, who took over from Jose Mourinho in 2018, will stay at Old Trafford until at least 2024, with the option of an extra year.

Solskjaer told the club website. “Everyone knows the feeling I have for this club, and I am delighted to have signed this new contract. It is an exciting time for Manchester United, we have built a squad with a good balance of youth and experienced players that are hungry for success. I have a fantastic coaching team around me, and we are all ready to take that next step on our journey. Manchester United wants to be winning the biggest and best trophies and that’s what we are all striving for. We have improved, both on and off the pitch, and that will continue over the coming seasons. I can’t wait to get out in front of a packed Old Trafford and get this campaign started.”

Solskjaer is currently without key players Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford through injury and is hopeful of strengthening his squad before the January window shuts

Solskjaer said “I’m responsible for what is happening on the pitch, we’re looking to strengthen, we need to strengthen. We know that. We took the decision to let some players go as we needed to start afresh with a clear sight on the target in front of us which is a certain type of player. We know we need to get quality in and numbers in. We are working to improve and get players in. Hopefully, we can get something over the line. These players are stretched, and I’ve got no complaints on any of them – they give everything they’ve got. We’ve got to stick to our values, stick to our beliefs. And knowing that there is no use feeling sorry for yourself. Go out tomorrow, the next day with the same commitment and get ready for Sunday. We are stretched. Some of the players have played more than they should’ve – more mentally rather than physically, they need a mid-season break.”

Phelan has been Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assistant since the Norwegian was first appointed interim manager and after he was made permanent manager, Ole has spoken about his desires to continue to work with Phelan.

Phelan told club’s website: “I am thrilled to be back as assistant manager. Manchester United has been a huge part of my life since I joined as a player in 1989. I am delighted to be able to continue that relationship in this key role.”