Ruben Amorim was spotted laughing and joking with his staff upon leaving Manchester United's Carrington training complex for the last time on Monday.
The 40-year-old was informed of his sacking by club chiefs Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, with his departure coming less than 24 hours after a 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road.
Following that match, Amorim sensationally erupted and suggested that he wasn't being backed to his liking.
He called on his higher-ups at Old Trafford to 'do their job', leaving them with little choice but to bring his 14-month tenure to an abrupt, unforgiving end.
Amorim is believed to be hopeful of resuming his career in Europe, with talk starting to gather pace that he could replace Jose Mourinho at Benfica come the summer. He is also in line to depart with a compensation fee of around £9.75 million.
According to the Daily Mail, the 40-year-old and his staff were seen laughing and joking mere minutes after being informed that they'd be leaving the club.
Amorim had started to cut an angry and explosive figure, both privately and publicly, much to the dismay of United supremos at the top.
Relations were strained between Ruben Amorim and the Manchester United board prior to his sacking | GETTYThey felt the young manager had become a fiery figure and he was stubborn, too, with Amorim wedded to his 3-4-3 system.
There have been claims that, in the days before the draw with Leeds, Amorim clashed with Wilcox when asked to revert to four at the back instead.
United have already confirmed a temporary replacement, with club legend Darren Fletcher poised to oversee Wednesday night's showdown with Burnley at Turf Moor.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Ruben Amorim sacked by Manchester United just 24 hours after explosive outburst against club hierarchy
- Anthony Joshua makes incredible gesture after tragic car crash that killed two of his close friends
- Luke Littler reveals plan for £1m prize money and explains financial goal after World Darts Championship win
Ruben Amorim could replace Jose Mourinho at Benfica
| REUTERSYet it's less clear who will end up being Amorim's permanent replacement.
Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez is the frontrunner for the post, with the Spaniard still a free agent following his departure from the Nou Camp in May 2024.
Given his lack of Premier League experience, however, Xavi could be seen as a substantial gamble despite winning trophies in both Catalonia and Qatar during his managerial career.
Unai Emery and Oliver Glasner, of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace respectively, would be appealling appointments.
And Kieran McKenna and Gareth Southgate have also emerged as potential options for the Red Devils as they plan for the start of yet another new era.
In their statement, meanwhile, United said their decision had been made 'reluctantly'.
Ruben Amorim struggled to get the best from his Manchester United players during his time in charge | REUTERSThey said: "Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United.
"Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
"With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change.
"This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.
"The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.
"Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday."