MANCHESTER: Manchester United sacked manager Jose Mourinho on Tuesday (Dec 18) after the club’s worst start to a season in nearly three decades, hoping to bring about a radical change in atmosphere and the direction of the club. Mourinho, 55, became increasingly spiky in his last few months at Old Trafford, lashing out at the board’s transfer policy and turning his fire on his squad, especially record signing Paul Pogba. His constant complaints about the players’ lack of desire had an impact on the pitch, culminating in the 3-1 defeat by Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday which left United 19 points behind their opponents. Mourinho’s sacking comes just two-and-a-half years into his tenure and three years and a day since Chelsea sacked him just months after he had guided them to the title. Former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, currently in charge of Norwegian club Molde, is reportedly being considered for the role of caretaker manager until the end of the season. Mourinho’s dismissal saw shares in the US-owned club rise on Wall Street by more than five per cent to US$18.18. Former players such as Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra expressed hope a change in management would bring a…