Manchester United announced Tuesday that David Moyes has left the club after less than one season in charge.
In a statement on their website, United said they: "would like to place on record its thanks for the hard work, honesty and integrity he brought to the role".
Reports in almost all of the UK newspapers on Tuesday morning had said the Scot would be sacked, after failing to secure a place in next season’s Champions League. United are seventh in the Premier League and on course for their worst finish since 1990-1991.
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal is the bookmakers’ favourite to take the job at the end of the season. Newspapers reported that United midfielder Ryan Giggs could take charge of the team until the end of the season.
Former Everton manager Moyes had been hand-picked by his predecessor, Sir Alex Ferguson as the man to maintain United’s place at the top of the game.
But from being champions last May, they have struggled throughout and defeat by Everton on Sunday was the last straw. Moyes was also criticised for his lack of action in the transfer market.