There was interest from a host of Premier League clubs and a Tottenham offer on the table. INTERVIEW BY PETE JENSON: When Pau Torres (centre) smashed his penalty past David de Gea (bottom right) in the Europa League final last May it could have been his last kick for Villarreal. Anthony Martial (inset right) and Marcus Rashford looked happy as he arrived at the airport for the trip to Spain, as did Donny van de Beek (right) who impressed during the defeat to Watford and was barely used by Solskjaer during their time working at Old Trafford together. David de Gea, who claimed that United's players did 'not know what to do with the ball' under Solskjaer after the 4-1 defeat to Watford, arrived at the airport with his head down and wearing a baseball cap. United, now led by caretaker coach and Solskjaer's former assistant Michael Carrick, now face a massive European clash against group rivals Villarreal and another defeat would put their chances of reaching the last-16 in serious doubt. The Red Devils star are still taking in the news off Solskjaer's dismissal on Sunday following the club's embarrassing 4-1 defeat to lowly Watford the day before - a result which was the club's fourth defeat in five matches. Harry Maguire (left), Cristiano Ronaldo (inset far left) and Bruno Fernandes (inset middle) wore gloomy faces as they arrived at Manchester Airport ahead of United's crucial Champions League clash with Villarreal a day after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking. It's a responsibility he was ready to accept. He made a point of paying tribute to Solskjaer (left) at the start of his first press conference (centre and bottom right), describing the emotional scenes around Carrington on Sunday when executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward relieved the manager of his duties before asking Carrick to step in. Carrick's first game in charge will be an important Champions League tie against Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Tuesday evening that could have a major impact on United's hopes of qualifying from Group F.
From Vicarage Road to Villarreal, it has been quite a 48 hours for the former England midfielder who touched down here in Spain on Monday night (top right) having been thrust into the spotlight following Solskjaer's last stand against Watford. It doesn't sound like the most auspicious of starts, but the Solskjaer story tells us that just about anything is possible if results go your way. CHRIS WHEELER IN VILLARREAL: If the club stick to their plan, Michael Carrick is the caretaker who will be replaced by an interim manager who will be replaced by a permanent boss by the start of next season.
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