Blackburn Rovers sack manager Owen Coyle

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Blackburn have sacked manager Owen Coyle.

Rovers chiefs have pulled the trigger with the club 23rd in the Championship, five points adrift of safety.

A club statement said: "The decision has been taken in order to give the club the best possible chance of climbing to a position of safety in the Championship in the remaining 15 games, which starts with the big trip to Burton Albion on Friday night.

"The club would like to place on record its thanks to Owen and his staff for all their efforts this season and we wish them well for the future.

"The search for a new manager will begin with immediate effect."

Assistant manager Sandy Stewart, first team coach John Henry and goalkeeping coach Phil Hughes have also left the club.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic hailed the performance of the entire Man United team after emerging from the bench to knock Blackburn out of the FA Cup.

The Swede was given a rest at Ewood Park, with Marcus Rashford starting up front in his place, but Jose Mourinho called on his star striker to save him from a replay against the Championship strugglers.

Rashford equalised before half time, but United needed their talisman's 24th goal of the season to secure their place in the last eight at the first time of asking.