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Sack specialists Manchester United once dismissed a manager in a five-minute meeting. As the dust settles from Michael Carrick's sacking just 15 games into the season, it's worth remembering how one of his recent predecessors was treated. Like Carrick, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was given the keys on a permanent basis after impressing as interim boss. United finished a respectable third and second in his two full seasons in charge but paid the price for a poor start to the 2021/22 season following a 4-1 battering at Watford.
Speaking on the Stick to Football Podcast, Solskjaer said he knew the writing was on the wall at half-time. He added: "So the team talk at half-time was about, 'Whoever wants to play can play. Put your hand up if you don't want to play.' Made a few changes; a couple of the lads were actually in tears, and they had a go.
"Then after the game I knew, but I didn't hear anything. But I still knew. The next morning you get a text, [saying] 'I want to see you in my office.' So I knew. I'd just left my missus at the airport and then texted her, 'I think I'll be coming back with you.'
"I took about five minutes with Ed [Woodward, then chief executive] and then stayed and spoke to some of the lads and did an interview because I needed to do it properly.
"I've always seen managers leave it, [then] like two months later they slag someone off. That's not me. I'm like, 'No, I want to do it now, tell everyone I'm proud and privileged and move on.'"
Carrick was finally sacked in a meeting with current chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox on Thursday morning. His fate had been an open secret since the start of the week, but he continued to lead training for the players not away on international duty.
The drawn-out nature of Carrick's sacking has drawn criticism, with Gary Neville calling it "disgusting," while the man himself is reportedly 'hurt' by how it was handled.
United have confirmed Mauricio Pochettino as Carrick's successor. The former Tottenham and Chelsea boss has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and will formally take charge of the team on November 18, following his final game as United States manager.
A club statement said: "The club has reached an agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation for Mauricio and his staff to be released after the conclusion of their responsibilities with the U.S. Men's National Team.
"The Argentinian is renowned for his high-intensity, attacking style of football, his dedication to building strong, cohesive teams and his outstanding record of developing individual players."
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