Muhammad Firza 'Ammar Zain

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Ole Gunnar Solksjaer sacked by Manchester United after Watford Defeat

United have confirmed Solskjaer’s assistant Michael Carrick will be placed in temporary charge, with the club also revealing their intention to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season.

Solskjaer signed a new three-year deal in July but leaves after overseeing five defeats in their last seven Premier League matches - a run which sees them 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.

The Old Trafford hierarchy had ignored increasingly vociferous calls to relieve Solskjaer of his duties in the wake of a humiliating 5-0 loss to rivals Liverpool and a 2-0 derby defeat to Manchester City in early November.

But his position was discussed by United officials on Saturday evening following the crushing defeat at Vicarage Road, before the announcement of his dismissal followed on Sunday morning.

A club statement said: “Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager.

“Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision. While the past few weeks have been disappointing, they should not obscure all the work he has done over the past three years to rebuild the foundations for long-term success.”

Gerrard makes winning start as Villa sink Brighton

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard enjoyed a winning start to his reign as late goals from Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings sealed a 2-0 victory against Brighton on Saturday.

Gerrard was taking charge of his first Villa match after leaving Scottish champions Rangers during the international break to replace Dean Smith.

The former Liverpool star saw Watkins and Mings strike in the final six minutes to give Villa their first win in six Premier League games.

Smith was sacked after five successive league defeats, but Gerrard made an immediate impact as Villa climbed four points clear of the relegation zone.

Gerrard is the first Villa manager to win his maiden Premier League game in charge since John Gregory in 1998.

Swapping a Scottish title race for the tension of a relegation fight south of the border, Gerrard's return to the Premier League was trumpeted as a stepping stone to eventually landing his dream job at Liverpool.

But Gerrard is adamant he is focused on turning Villa into a serious Premier League force capable of qualifying for Europe.

Gerrard's three-and-a-half year spell at Rangers saw him rebuild the club and end Celtic's nine-year reign as champions.