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WAYNE ROONEY revealed the mood at Manchester United was so grim under Jose Mourinho that even Carrington's kitchen ladies were miserable.

Mourinho's reign at Old Trafford was ended on Tuesday with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer parachuted in as caretaker boss until the end of the season.

 Wayne Rooney revealed the toxic atmosphere all around Man United
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Wayne Rooney revealed the toxic atmosphere all around Man UnitedCredit: BT Sport

Former captain Rooney explained how a toxic atmosphere at United's HQ under the Portuguese coach spread further than the playing squad.

He told BT Sport: "[It was] not just the players, but the whole football club.

"I'm sure Ed Woodward was the same, the staff, the kitchen ladies, the kit men weren't enjoying it. Ole's the person [to help] straight away and I know they're happy."

And after Saturday's thumping 5-1 win over Cardiff in his first game as boss, Rooney believes Solskjaer has returned the feel-good factor to all at United.

 Jose Mourinho was sacked on Tuesday and replaced with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
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 Jose Mourinho was sacked on Tuesday and replaced with Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: EPA
 Rooney believes even the kitchen ladies were unhappy under Mourinho
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Rooney believes even the kitchen ladies were unhappy under MourinhoCredit: Reuters

The ex-England skipper reached out to his former team-mate when the Norwegian's appointment was announced.

Rooney said: "Once Ole got the job, I played with Ole so I sent him a message of congratulations."

He expressed to Solskjaer "my feelings of how it's been from speaking to some players and what I've felt needs to change.

"First of all, it was getting the lads enjoying playing football again. That's what they want."

 Ole Gunnar Solskjaers interim career got off to a flyer with a 5-1 win over Cardiff
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaers interim career got off to a flyer with a 5-1 win over CardiffCredit: Getty Images

Solskjaer's first fixtures as head coach offer an opportunity to get on a winning run.

Next up for United are visits from Huddersfield and Bournemouth, two clubs struggling with form, followed by a trip to Newcastle and FA Cup tie with Reading.

By then the mood in the club canteen looks likely to have lifted.

Cardiff 1-5 Manchester United - Rashford, Herrera, Martial and Lingard double get Solskjaer off to winning start
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