Manchester United have sacked their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after losing 4-1 to Watford on Saturday.
The trip to Vicarage Road was the first game played since the international break and Solskjaer was hoping for an improvement as he went into the game with a record of one win in his previous six league games.
That became seven when United slumped to a loss at Watford that might have been worse had the home side scored an early penalty, and matters were compounded when captain Harry Maguire was sent off in the second half.
United are now seventh, 12 points behind league leaders Chelsea.
The club have placed first team coach Michael Carrick in charge as a caretaker ahead of the side’s Champions League away match at Villarreal on Tuesday.
"It is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision," United said in a statement.
"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.
"Ole leaves with our sincerest thanks for his tireless efforts as manager and our very best wishes for the future.
"His place in the club's history will always be secure, not just for his story as a player, but as a great man and a manager who gave us many great moments. He will forever be welcome back at Old Trafford as part of the Manchester United family.
"Michael Carrick will now take charge of the team for forthcoming games, while the club looks to appoint an interim manager to the end of the season."
United appointed Solskjaer as Jose Mourinho’s replacement in 2018, and he was given a full-time deal in March 2019. He signed fresh terms in July to keep him at the club until 2024, and it is believed that entitles him to a payoff of £7.5 million.