BRENDAN RODGERS remains favourite to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Manchester United manager, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
And the Red Devils are prepared to pay £8m in compensation to Rodgers' current club Leicester.
After being in Champions League contention with the Foxes for the last two seasons, the former Liverpool boss is not having the best of seasons though, with his side currently two points BEHIND United.
Solskjaer was sacked following the 4-1 humiliation by Watford at Vicarage Road.
The club won only once in their last seven matches after the 4-1 defeat at Watford, and an emergency board meeting was called hours later to decide Solskjaer's fate.
Mauricio Pochettino is preferred by Sir Alex Ferguson to become the next boss, according to reports.
The former Tottenham manager is tied in at Paris Saint-Germain at the moment and the Parisian club would be reluctant to lose the Argentinian in the middle of the season.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
Follow all the latest Man Utd news, transfer and gossip from Old Trafford below…
- Kostas Lianos
RODGERS AND OUT
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has been contacted by Manchester United after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal, according to SunSport's Neil Custis.
United are also prepared to pay £8million in compensation to the Foxes for Rodgers.
The former Liverpool boss has a clause in his contract letting him speak to certain clubs if they come knocking — and the Red Devils are among them.
Solskjaer was sacked on Sunday morning following a poor start to the season
- Kostas Lianos
WES SIDE STORY
Chelsea are still holding talks with Leicester star Wesley Fofana ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Blues are keeping tabs for a centre-back as they have four key defenders out of contract at the end of this season.
Those are Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva and captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
And according to Footmercato, the west Londoners are eyeing Fofana as a potential replacement should any of the aforementioned walk out as free agents.
Manchester United are also interested in the 20-year-old, as are Real Madrid
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
MAGUIRE REACTS
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire says all the players are enduring the toughest time of their careers.
Maguire said: “You look at the players at this football club and it is probably the toughest time of their careers at club level.
“The players need to take a big responsibility for everything on and off the field.
“We have not been good enough as individuals or collectively.
“We were in it together as a group, the manager and the players and the manager has paid the price.
“It has been a hard time for us as players because of the amount of respect we had for the boss and what he has done for us.
“We have been on a journey together and it is never nice when someone loses their job”
- Kostas Lianos
SOL CRUSHING
Interim Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has opened up on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's "emotional" exit.
Carrick said: "First of all it's been an emotional time for everyone at [the] club. I worked with Ole for three years and known him for a lot longer.
"Knowing the person that he is, the values that he has, how he treats people. To see him lose his job was tough for me and a lot of people at the club. I think you can tell from the emotion yesterday what he meant to everyone.
"Results are everything, as much as you build the right environment you don't get what you deserve. A massive thank you from us all"
- Kostas Lianos
SOUTHGATE REMINDER
England boss Gareth Southgate has officially signed a new double-your-money £6million contract until December 2024, the FA has confirmed.
Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland has also put pen to paper on a new deal, keeping the pair in charge of the Three Lions through until after the next European Championship.
The English head coach has been in charge at St George’s Park since 2016, when he rose up from his role with the under-21s to replace Sam Allardyce.
The 51-year-old has since taken England to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018 and the final of Euro 2020, as well as recently sealing qualification for Qatar 2022.
A raft of Manchester United stars have played under him, such as Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and more
- The Sun
BUILDING BLOCKS
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester has paid tribute to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer by hilariously re-creating his departure from Old Trafford in lego form.
The lego Solskjaer figure leaves Old Trafford after three years at the club with nothing but a disappointed look on his face and his lego briefcase.
Jenn McDonough, General Manager at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester, said: “Following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure from Manchester United, we wanted to wish the former manager good luck with his future!
“Our team built a replica Solskjaer outside our MINILAND’s Old Trafford to honour his three years he spent at the club. Hopefully whoever takes over from Ole can turn around the side’s fortunes this season and lead them to bricktory.”
- The Sun
KEEP CALM AND CARRICK ON
Michael Carrick has been snapped taking Man Utd training as normal this afternoon after becoming caretaker manager in the wake of Solskjaer's sacking.
The 40-year-old coach will pick the team for United's away trip to Villarreal tomorrow and will also likely be in charge for their trip to Chelsea on Sunday.
Carrick confessed today that he doesn't know how long he will be in charge for, saying: “I'm prepared to do it for however long it takes.
"Whether it's one game, two games, right now I'm not sure but I'm not thinking about that, it's about tomorrow."
United travel to Villarreal to take on the side that beat them on penalties in last year's Europa League final tomorrow night.
And can seal their qualification to the round of 16 with a win, with a game to spare.
But a defeat and an Atalanta win against Young Boys would seriously jeopardise their chances of progressing in the competition.
- The Sun
CROWN JULE
Cristiano Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly told Manchester United to hire Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
A number of managers have been linked with the job, including Mauricio Pochettino, Zinedine Zidane, Brendan Rodgers and Erik ten Hag.
But according to The Athletic, Mendes believes Lopetegui should be the man to take the club forward in the wake of Solskjaer's sacking.
Lopetegui has previously coached a number of high-profile clubs – including Porto, Real Madrid and now Sevilla.
He was also in charge of the Spain national team for two years, but was dismissed on the eve of the 2018 World Cup after agreeing to join Real Madrid.
Lopetegui also knocked Solskjaer's Man Utd side out of the 2019-20 Europa League as Sevilla went on to lift the trophy for the fourth time in seven years.
And he has guided them to consecutive top four finishes in La Liga, with the club currently third and two points from Real Madrid at the top.
But it is believed that Pochettino is the club's first choice, if they are able to prise him away from the Parc des Princes.
And reports suggest such an appointment could hang on whether PSG are able to persuade Zidane to replace him.
- The Sun
'WE HAVE NOT BEEN GOOD ENOUGH'
Man Utd captain Harry Maguire has admitted that he and his teammates are enduring the toughest time of their careers following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Seven defeats from 13 games, including thrashings by Liverpool, Man City and Watford, ultimately spelled the end for the Norwegian at Old Trafford.
And Maguire's form has also been criticised of late, as he was sent off for a clumsy tackle on Watford's Tom Cleverley in Saturday's 4-1 defeat.
Speaking in today's press conference, Maguire said: “You look at the players at this football club and it is probably the toughest time of their careers at club level.
“The players need to take a big responsibility for everything on and off the field. We have not been good enough as individuals or collectively.
"We were in it together as a group, the manager and the players and the manager has paid the price.
“It has been a hard time for us as players because of the amount of respect we had for the boss and what he has done for us.
“We have been on a journey together and it is never nice when someone loses their job.”
Maguire also revealed that Solskjaer gathered the players together yesterday to say goodbye and to wish them well for their game away to Villarreal tomorrow.
He said: “He came and spoke to us and with the emotion around the place it was difficult to be in.
“Everyone has a huge amount of respect for Ole, he is a legend at this club and will remain a legend.
“He told us we need to get back on track and get focused for the Villarreal game and go into it with a positive mindset.
“He said he would be supporting us in every game which just shows the values of the man.”
The England international says that now is the time to get the club back on track – starting with their crucial tie against Villarreal tomorrow.
He said: “Now we have to look forward and get this club back to where it was in the last two years.
“We have got to move this club forward and find something from within ourselves and go and produce a performance for this club.”
- The Sun
NOTORIOUS RED
Well-known Red Devils fan and MMA star Conor McGregor posted a tweet in support of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the news broke of his sacking yesterday.
McGregor had previously backed Ole and defended him after fans turned on him and demanded retribution for the team's recent poor form.
He tweeted: "I want to give a major shout out, and a huge thank you to the living legend that is Ole Gunnar Solskjær!
"Ole you are forever, Sir! Icon! Inspiration! Hero! Legend! Thank you Ole."
He then posted a separate tweet showing images of Solskjaer lifting the Champions League trophy after his extra-time winner in 1999.
- The Sun
CARRICK PRESS CONFERENCE
Michael Carrick has given his first press conference as interim boss at Manchester United and spoke in detail about the last 24 hours at the club.
He said: "First of all it’s been an emotional day for myself and everyone at the club — working with Ole for three years and knowing the person that he is and the values he has – to see Ole unfortunately lose his job was tough for me."
"Ole understands that results in this business are everything and as much as you build a foundation, sometimes you don’t always get what you deserve.
"I want to say a massive thank you to Ole from me and the staff. It’s been a pleasure working with him."
"I found out [about Solskjær leaving] yesterday morning at the training ground, I didn't know anything before that.
"I arrived and spoke to Ed [Woodward]. It was bit of a rushed end to organising training and the day's work."
"Football is football and it’s business as usual. It’s a privilege for me to sit in this position but we’ve got a big game to prepare for tomorrow.”
Carrick also revealed he doesn't know how long it will take the club to appoint a new manager and how long he will be in temporary charge at the club.
He added: "I'm not too sure [how long he'll be in charge] but that's not really something that's on my mind. It's about tomorrow. It's a really big game for us.
“Obviously it’s a challenge [only having one day of training], coming to terms to the situation, but quite quickly you have to move forward.
"It’s such a privilege to work for this club. I’m throwing myself into doing everything I can.”
Credit: AFP - The Sun
HOMETOWN GLORY
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's hometown of Kristiansund in Noway has erected a sign in tribute to the recently sacked Manchester United manager.
He was given the boot by the the club yesterday after seven defeats in their last 13 games – having spent three years as Old Trafford boss.
But hordes of fans, pundits and players have rallied behind him to thank him for his efforts and commitment to the club.
And Solskjaer evidently remains very highly thought of in his native Norway, where he returned for a brief spell with his family during the international break.
- The Sun
BRUNO'S APPROVAL
Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes spoke about the new interim head coach Michael Carrick to the Utd Podcast ahead of their European tie with Villarreal tomorrow.
And the Portuguese playmaker was full of praise for him, commenting on Carrick's technical ability and his mentality.
Fernandes said: “I was watching in training and Carrick was playing because we had players missing and he didn’t miss a pass.
“It’s unbelievable how fresh and sharp he is doing the exercises with us, and I was talking with Fred and I was going to say to him, ‘Hey, watch him playing and do the same!’ but I thought it was unfair and so I didn’t say it!”
“But it was amazing — if someone from outside came to watch training, nobody would say this guy isn’t playing in the team.
“He’s a player who has that quality of passes and also when we need to do some finishing or passing exercises, he’s always there helping us with the balls.
“I’m learning a lot from him and he’s one of the people I like to listen to, because he was a big player, he won a lot of trophies for the club and for me you have to learn from these players.”
- The Sun
'GOOD LUCK MY FRIEND'
Cristiano Ronaldo has posted an emotional tribute to the recently sacked Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on his social media.
The Portugal striker praised the Norwegian's character and wished him luck for the future as his former teammate departs from Old Trafford after three years.
The 36-year-old said: "He’s been my striker when I first came to Old Trafford and he’s been my coach since I came back to Man United.
But most of all, Ole is an outstanding human being. I wish him the best in whatever his life has reserved for him. Good luck my friend."
Credit: Reuters - The Sun
MERRY-GO-ROUND
According to BBC Sport, former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane would be more interested in taking over at PSG than Manchester United.
Reports also suggest that current PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is ready to quit the Parc des Princes to become the new Man Utd manager.
And Zidane, who is currently without a club, would then replace him in Paris, with Pochettino reportedly unhappy with his role at the club.
Pochettino is thought to be frustrated in his limited role as head coach, with PSG sporting director Leonardo handling all broader footballing issues.
Though the former Spurs boss is reportedly reluctant to force a move midway through the season and would only leave if PSG had a replacement lined up.
Zidane is thought to be tempted by the PSG job, which would make the prospect of Pochettino becoming the United boss now more realistic.
Credit: Reuters
- The Sun
GOING NOWHERE
According to Sky Sports, Man Utd chief executive Ed Woodward could delay his long-awaited departure from the club to oversee the appointment of a new manager.
Woodward announced that he would be quitting his current role at the club to be replaced by Richard Arnold in April after the collapse of the proposed European Super League.
But Sky Sports are reporting that Woodward will now postpone his departure in order to steady the ship and appoint a new permanent manager to replace Solskjaer.
If United's statement is to be believed, the club are looking to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season, when their more long-term targets will be available.
This means that Woodward will likely stay in his current role for another eight or nine months and could be in charge for the transfer window next summer.
- The Sun
LU ARE YA?
There were reports yesterday that Spain boss Luis Enrique is being considered as an option to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Man Utd.
It has been claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo wants Luis Enrique to become the new Man Utd manager – ahead of his former boss Zinedine Zidane.
But Enrique, 51, has just overseen Spain's World Cup qualification for Qatar 2022 and has no intention of leaving his current job.
When asked about reports linking him to Manchester United by La Sexta, Enrique said: “Is today April Fools' Day?”
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also said: "Luis Enrique is absolutely not planning to leave Spain right now, and he’s understood to be ‘so happy’ with his current job."
Credit: EPA - The Sun
THANKS AND GOODBYE
Tributes have continued to pour in for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from former and current players.
Since the Norwegian was sacked yesterday morning, he has been inundated with messages of thanks from people associated with the club.
Some of the most recent to speak out are Ander Herrera, who said: "True gentleman, I feel lucky to have been coached by you."
Brandon Williams, who is currently on loan at Norwich, said: “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play for the biggest club in the world on the biggest stage.
"I will be forever grateful for that and everything you taught me. You made a boy’s dream come true. Thank you boss.”
Dean Henderson said: "Thanks for everything gaffer!! A true United legend."
While Bruno Fernandes said: “Like I said yesterday we are all to blame for the situation we are in and considering everything you’ve done for me a thank you will never be enough.
"I’m very grateful for you believing in me and for giving me the chance to represent this great club. I wish you and your family all the best!”
- The Sun
TEN HAG TALKS
Erik ten Hag has been heavily linked with the Manchester United job in recent weeks, despite claims he will not quit Ajax mid-season.
He is thought to be on a list alongside Brendan Rodgers, Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane.
But it is claimed that Zidane is not currently interested in the job and Pochettino could be persuaded to quit PSG now, rather than at the end of the season.
Ten Hag is thought to be admired by the top brass at Old Trafford, but is not currently considered a frontrunner for the job.
He recently told ESPN: “I’m in United list with Pochettino? I am focused on my team, we want to achieve a lot”
“Let me put it this way: I don't know anything, I haven't heard anything, so I don't have to worry about that at all.
“I expect from my players that they are focused on Ajax, so I have to give the right example for that too.
“My focus is on Ajax, the rest only distracts."
- The Sun
SWEET EMOTION
Former Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave a highly emotional interview to the club in the wake of his sacking yesterday morning.
Solskjaer was axed after a long run of poor form this season culminating in a humiliating 4-1 defeat at Watford on Saturday.
But reports suggest that he and the club have parted ways amicably and there is no bad feeling between him and the top brass at the club.
But the Norwegian nevertheless fought back tears as he spoke about his time at the club and his experience as the head coach at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer said: "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. I've made great friends, I've reconnected with some great friends.
"New staff coming in, I've become really good friends with. And that's what it's about at a club like this.
"The fans have been amazing, from day one at Cardiff until the last one now. We'll see each other again."
- The Sun
POCH THIS SPACE…
PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly ready to quit the Parc des Princes now to become the new Manchester United manager, reports suggest.
The Argentine became PSG manager in January after being heavily linked with the job at Old Trafford for some time, but the appointment never materialised.
But according to the Daily Mail, former Tottenham manager Pochettino is prepared to walk out on the Parisian club after less than a year in charge.
He reportedly still lives in a hotel in Paris, while his family still lives in England after he spent six years managing in the Premier League.
The Argentine will be in Manchester on Tuesday ahead of PSG's clash with City in the Champions League on Wednesday.
But it is claimed United have still not made contact with him Pochettino about the vacant job.
However, SunSport understands ex-Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has been approached over the role.
And United are prepared to pay £8million in compensation to his current club, Leicester, on top of a £7.5million payoff for Solskjaer.
Rodgers has a clause in his contract letting him speak to certain clubs if they come knocking — and United are one.
- Jack Figg
GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS FANS
Brendan Rodgers has been contacted by Manchester United after today’s sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Red Devils are prepared to pay £8million in compensation to his current club, Leicester.
That is on top of a £7.5million payoff for Solskjaer.
Ex-Liverpool boss Rodgers has a clause in his contract letting him speak to certain clubs if they come knocking — and United are one.
Luis Enrique brutally ruled himself out of the Manchester United manager hunt.
Asked about replacing Solskjaer in the hotseat at United, Enrique told La Sexta: “Is today April Fools’ Day?”
Sacked Solskjaer thinks his successor MUST win the Premier League.
He said: "Well, as I’ve said many times in interviews, I’ve been backed.
“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.
“The environment is fantastic, it’s an environment I’m proud of leaving because you have to enjoy coming in here working.
“I don’t want to pre-empt anything but the two times I’ve left Molde, they’ve won the league the year after.
“So all the best to whoever takes over – that’s the expectations!”
- Joshua Mbu
NEXT FIVE
Up next for the Red Devils is Villarreal in the Champions League.
And Interim boss Michael Carrick will be in the dugout to take charge whilst the board search for a new permanent fix.
- Joshua Mbu
EXCLUSIVE: RODGERS…AND OUT
Brendan Rodgers has been contacted by Manchester United after today’s sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
The Red Devils are prepared to pay £8million in compensation to his current club, Leicester.
That is on top of a £7.5million payoff for Solskjaer.
Ex-Liverpool boss Rodgers has a clause in his contract letting him speak to certain clubs if they come knocking — and United are one.
Solskjaer, 48, was fired this morning after nearly three years in charge.
The decision was made within 30 minutes of United’s 4-1 defeat at Watford on Saturday.
SunSport revealed last month that United were making plans to identify the Norwegian’s successor.
A leading agent had been asked to sound out Northern Irishman Rodgers, 48 — as well as Antonio Conte, Ajax’s Erik Ten Hag and ex-Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.
- Joshua Mbu
RIK ROLL
Ajax manager Erik ten Hag insists he has heard nothing from Manchester United after hitting out at a reporter’s ‘weird’ question, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
The Dutch tactician has been in charge of the Eredivisie champions since 2017.
But Ten Hag is now being tipped to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford after the Norwegian was sacked on Sunday.
But the tactician insists he remains fully committed to Ajax when quizzed about United's interest.
Claiming he has not been contacted by United, Ten Hag declared: “I am focused on my team, we have a brilliant squad and we want to achieve a lot.
“We want to fight for titles. My focus is on Ajax, the rest only distracts.
“I expect from my players that they are focused on Ajax, so I have to give the right example for that too.
“You keep asking me [about my position as Ajax boss]. Yes, it is a weird question.
“I have heard nothing about [United’s interest], so I can’t think about it.”
Source: Read Full Article
