DEAN SMITH'S classy statement following his dismissal at Villa Park has led Manchester United fans to urge Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to walk away.

The former Aston Villa manager was sacked on Sunday following a poor run of form which has seen the club lose five consecutive Premier League games.

Villa, who had aspirations of qualifying for Europe this season, sit 16th in the table after losing seven of their opening 11 games.

And Smith has acknowledged that the Villans have underachieved this campaign as he spoke of his honour at managing his boyhood side.

The statement, which was released on behalf of the League Managers Association, read: "I understand the football industry and of course, I respect the owners decision.

"But I felt that with important players soon returning to full fitness we would achieve a top half finish."

Before adding: "I would like to express my gratitude to the owners, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, in giving me the opportunity to manage this special club.

"I would also like to thank the CEO, Christian Purslow, with whom I enjoyed an excellent working relationship as well as the two Sporting Directors I worked alongside, Johan Lange and Jesus Garcia Pitarch.

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"To the coaches, staff and players, my sincere thanks to each and every one of them.

"Finally, to the Aston Villa fans who showed me nothing but love and support from my first day in the job to my last, a heartfelt thank you from my family and I.

"The Aston Villa board’s aims and ambitions are to take our club back into European football and I would love nothing more than seeing the club achieve that.

"I’ve always said that I was simply a custodian of this great football club, and my aim was to leave it in a better place than I found it. I believe that together we have achieved that."

BBC reporter Simon Stone tweeted an excerpt from Smith's statement, with many United fans replying to the post calling for Solskjaer to leave.

United dropped to sixth in the table following their defeat to rivals Manchester City on Saturday, with the club nine points off leaders Chelsea.

Speaking of the ex-Molde boss, one user messaged: "Take notes Ole, if you a love club you know what's best for them even if it means you lose your job."

Another remarked: "Ole should really take notes of that last bit."

A third added: "Brilliant. Wish Ole does the same. But then again Villa's owners actually care about the club and don't think of it as a cash cow unlike Glazers."

Meanwhile one said: "Ole won’t do this yet he believes he will turn the fortunes of this club."

Another simply stated: "Ole has chance to do this now by stepping down but sadly he’s own selfishness will cause his good work to be unravelled."

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