Manchester United have sacked manager Jose Mourinho after two-and-a-half years in charge.
The Portuguese took over at Old Trafford in the summer of 2016 and was quickly followed into the club by then-world record signing Paul Pogba.
Mourinho's first season in charge was deemed a success after winning both the EFL Cup and Europa League, while he guided the club to second behind Manchester City last term.
Despite their encouraging results, the 55-year-old's tactics drew great ire and he regularly clashed with the board over signings.
Mourinho also struggled to get the best out of Pogba and openly criticised certain members of his squad.
The 2018-19 campaign has been a poor one to date, with United 19 points adrift of leaders Liverpool following Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Anfield.
That was the team's fifth Premier League defeat of the season and the board have now decided to part company with the coach.
Assistant Michael Carrick will take temporary charge and an external appointment is set to be made before the end of the week.
A statement on the club's website read: "Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect.
"The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future.
"A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager."
Tuesday's news marks the third time he has been sacked in December, having also lost his job in the final month of the year at both Benfica and Chelsea.
United's next game is on Saturday away at Cardiff, a game they are 4/7 to win, with the draw 14/5 and the Bluebirds 5/1.
The Red Devils are 14/1 to finish in the top four.
View all Soccer betting
Manchester United have sacked manager Jose Mourinho after two-and-a-half years in charge.
The Portuguese took over at Old Trafford in the summer of 2016 and was quickly followed into the club by then-world record signing Paul Pogba.
Mourinho's first season in charge was deemed a success after winning both the EFL Cup and Europa League, while he guided the club to second behind Manchester City last term.
Despite their encouraging results, the 55-year-old's tactics drew great ire and he regularly clashed with the board over signings.
Mourinho also struggled to get the best out of Pogba and openly criticised certain members of his squad.
The 2018-19 campaign has been a poor one to date, with United 19 points adrift of leaders Liverpool following Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Anfield.
That was the team's fifth Premier League defeat of the season and the board have now decided to part company with the coach.
Assistant Michael Carrick will take temporary charge and an external appointment is set to be made before the end of the week.
A statement on the club's website read: "Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect.
"The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future.
"A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager."
Tuesday's news marks the third time he has been sacked in December, having also lost his job in the final month of the year at both Benfica and Chelsea.
United's next game is on Saturday away at Cardiff, a game they are 4/7 to win, with the draw 14/5 and the Bluebirds 5/1.
The Red Devils are 14/1 to finish in the top four.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com