Most Manchester United players are dissatisfied with the club's decision to dismiss Ruben Amorim as they prepare for the start of yet another new era at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese manager enjoyed strong support within the dressing room and maintained the confidence of the majority of squad members throughout his tenure.
Players learned of Amorim's departure on Monday morning, though sources close to the squad have told The Sun they had anticipated the move for several days beforehand.
In a notable departure from previous managerial changes at Old Trafford, the squad was not consulted about Amorim's future before the club reached its decision.
The lack of player input marks a significant shift in how United have handled such transitions.
Throughout Monday, 10 members of the squad took to Instagram to express their appreciation for the departing manager.
Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Sesko, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee all posted messages of gratitude on the social media platform.
Most Manchester United players are dissatisfied with the club's decision to dismiss Ruben Amorim as they prepare for the start of yet another new era at Old Trafford
|PA
The outpouring of support stands in stark contrast to Jose Mourinho's exit in December 2018, when just four players publicly acknowledged the Portuguese manager following his dismissal.
The difference in response suggests Amorim had cultivated considerably stronger relationships within the squad during his time at the club.
Notably, both Dorgu and Sesko were among those offering their thanks to Amorim, despite rumours suggesting the manager's criticism of the pair contributed to his downfall.
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Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu are among the Man United players who have wished Ruben Amorim well for the future
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The two players represent signings championed by the United hierarchy and director of football Jason Wilcox, though Amorim had given his approval for both transfers.
Their public displays of gratitude appear to contradict any suggestion of a fractured relationship between the departing manager and the players he allegedly criticised.
Meanwhile, Darren Fletcher has stepped into the role of caretaker manager as United prepare for their midweek fixture.
The club travel to Burnley on Wednesday for what will be Fletcher's first match in temporary charge.
Meanwhile, West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo admitted he was 'sad' to see Amorim depart.
Discussing his fellow Portuguese coach, he said: "Like everybody, I was surprised and sad.
Darren Fletcher (pictured right) will take charge of Manchester United on an interim basis | PA"He is Portuguese [like me]. He is a young manager, but this is what it is – I think we are aware that this is how the industry works."
Nuno was also asked what advice he had for Amorim.
"[Bouncing back] is what you have to do," he continued.
"Go back home, reset, and get ready for the next challenge. The ups and downs – this is life."
United beat Burnley 3-2 at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Bruno Fernandes, who has missed recent games through injury, scored a dramatic late penalty to secure all three points.