Ruben Amorim's reaction to Manchester United sacking revealed with former boss set to leave UK

After that fixture, Amorim had criticised the United hierarchy, while also suggesting that he wasn't being given enough backing or support behind the scenes.

He will be replaced by Darren Fletcher on an interim basis, with the Scot poised to take charge of Wednesday's Premier League match away at Burnley.

Now, according to Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol, Amorim reportedly wasn't surprised by the club's decision to wield the axe.

He is set to jet off for a few days to gather his thoughts, while he's also hopeful of resuming his career in management 'soon'.

Solhekol said: "Ruben Amorim is not surprised by what’s happened today.

"He could see it coming. He is back with his family now and will probably go away for a few days.

"He was optimistic that Man Utd would finish in the Champions League places and form would improve with return of players at AFCON.

"He always gave his honest opinion and made it clear that he felt United needed one or two experienced signings this window.

"He feels United don’t just have one manager inside the club, they have many managers outside as well. It’s important to block out the noise.

"He will stick to his principles and hopes to resume his career again soon."

It is currently unclear who United will appoint as Amorim's replacement on a permanent basis.

Former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has emerged as the favourite, with the Spaniard out of work following his departure from Catalonia in May last year.

Unai Emery and Oliver Glasner, who have worked wonders at Aston Villa and Crystal Palace respectively, are candidates as well.

And links to former coaches Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna have arisen, with the Red Devils poised to embark on yet another new era.

Meanwhile, United legend Rio Ferdinand has reacted to Amorim's departure and suggested the writing had been on the wall for the 40-year-od.

"I didn’t anticipate this when I woke up this morning that Ruben Amorim would be getting the sack. He was not in the four or five managers I thought would be getting the sack next," he said.

"I am surprised but when you look at his record, in black and white, I’m not surprised.

"I think that has been definitive and the reason it’s been so sharp overnight [speaking out].

"Two managers have spoken out against the hierarchy now and been sacked immediately.

"But his record is the worst of any United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson.”