Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has called on the Manchester United players to 'trust and enjoy themselves' during Tuesday's key Champions League clash with Villarreal.

The Norwegian was sacked by the 20-time English champions on Sunday morning, with Michael Carrick placed in charge while the club look for an interim manager until the end of the season.

Solskjaer took part in a departing interview on Sunday afternoon, and the 48-year-old has sent a message to the club's players ahead of the clash with the Yellow Submarine.

"As I've said to them this morning as well, trust yourselves, you know we're better than this. We've not been able to show it but go out, chest out, enjoy being a Man United player, in the Champions League, on the biggest stage," Solskjaer told MUTV.

"If and when you win the game, you're through to the next round, Michael [Carrick] is going to be in charge. Michael, I have the utmost respect [for], I love Michael to bits. I'm becoming emotional now because he's top. They'll be fine. I'll watch them and support them."

Man United would book their spot in the knockout round of the Champions League with a match to spare if they are able to overcome Villarreal on Tuesday.