Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney showed sympathy for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the Red Devils sacked his ex-teammate. Speaking to Sky Sports after his Derby County side's 3-2 win over Bournemouth, Rooney said:

“Firstly, it's always sad when a manager loses his job, especially a former teammate of mine, so I feel for Ole. I think the club have made their decision on Ole's future, so it's a sad day for Ole.”

After a run of disappointing results, the club finally sacked Solskjaer following his team's embarrassing 4-1 defeat away to Watford. The loss was the Red Devils' fifth in their last seven Premier League matches. This was the last straw for those in charge at Old Trafford, whose patience with Solskjaer had run out.

The club has placed Michael Carrick in charge temporarily as they search for an interim manager to take control. The media has earmarked Rooney as a potential candidate, but he reiterated his commitment to his Derby County project. When questioned about the possibility of a managerial return to Old Trafford, Rooney said:

“Listen, I'm Derby County manager, I keep working hard to get the best results on the pitch for this team, and as I've said, I'm committed to this club.”

Wayne Rooney has had problems of his own to deal with, after Derby County was handed a 21-point deduction that leaves them fighting to avoid relegation. Their latest win against second-placed Bournemouth will give them hope for Championship survival.

Meanwhile, Manchester United now prepare to face Villareal in the UEFA Champions League—their first game of the post-Solskjaer era.