Manchester United sack Ole Gunnar after Watford defeat
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer leaves Manchester United as the club lie eighth in the Premier League and have been without a trophy since 2017. But many fans can agree that the Norwegian manager is leaving the squad in far better condition than he inherited from Jose Mourinho's miserable demise.
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United suffered a contrasting result at Watford last time out in the Premier League, but the team featured is a clear upgrade - on paper anyway.
De Gea is still the Red Devils' first-choice goalkeeper, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire were crucial figures under Solskjaer after signing them in his first summer transfer window in 2019.
Lindelof and Shaw maintained their places, although usual starter Raphael Varane is sidelined through injury.
Matic is still the only natural defensive midfielder in the squad and started in the absence of Fred against the Hornets alongside Scott McTominay.
Solskjaer leaves United's team looking very different with this XI his last line-up as manager (Image: Express Sport)
The real differences are visible in the attack, though, with three significant changes from that memorable night in Cardiff three years ago.
Bruno Fernandes was Solskjaer's most important signing of all, carrying the side for large periods since his January 2020 arrival.
And while Rashford is still a crucial player when fit, United also recently solved the right-wing dilemma by acquiring Jadon Sancho this summer.
Martial has gradually become a fringe player, especially after experienced duo Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo's arrivals under Solskjaer's watch.
There's no doubt that United have a far superior squad now than when Solskjaer took charge, and it's up to his successor to garner the best out of it.