In the end, it all proved just a step too far for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It was a tough sight for supporters, watching their club legend - a man who has brought them so much happiness - look truly beaten after the humiliating 4-1 defeat by Watford.
From there, there was no going back. The confirmation arrived from United and, just as quickly as he was handed the caretaker job in December 2018, Solskjaer was gone. In truth, the writing has been on the wall for quite some time after a 4-0 hammering by rivals Liverpool and some poor results to set them off the pace in the title race.
Sources revealed to Sportsmail that a number of players doubted whether Solskjaer was the man to lead the club on to trophies, and believed he didn't have the same tactical acumen as Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp.
It was the humiliation at the hands of the Hornets that forced United's hand. Joel and Avram Glazer held emergency talks with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and managing director Richard Arnold, and United have now pulled the trigger. =
The dressing room will be split into winners and losers from the sacking and here, Sportsmail takes a look at who goes where...
There will be winners and losers from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking at Manchester United
Joel (right) and Avram (left) Glazer were forced into the decision because of United's poor form
WINNERS
Donny van de Beek
Throwing his chewing gum down furiously in the last-gasp victory over Villarreal, Donny van de Beek revealing everything that needed to be said about his frustrating spell at United. Time and time again, he has been left among the substitutes.
Whether it is an issue over trust or ability, boss Solskjaer never seemed likely to place his trust in the silky midfielder. Bruno Fernandes locked down the No 10 spot, of course, but it was inexcusable Van de Beek wasn't tried more in a double pivot.
Now, under the new management, Van de Beek will be targeting increased minutes to finally make his move to Old Trafford worth it. Another few months spent on the touchline, wondering what may have been, will surely see him leave, however.
Donny van de Beek rarely featured under Solskjaer and was expected to leave United soon
Edinson Cavani
Veteran frontman Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo briefly partnered each other in the dying embers of United's win against Atalanta, although Solskjaer was forced into the gung-ho decision with his side trailing and in desperate need of a turnaround.
That has largely been the former's role this season, though, and a striker of his vast experience and clinical nature deserves more, quite simply. Ronaldo is undroppable, admittedly, but Cavani is the perfect impact substitute and is rarely used.
With a new coach, there is more hope for Cavani that he will be fielded from the off now, and United need his razor-sharp instincts as they bid to save their campaign. It is just disappointing Solskjaer, the ultimate impact player, failed to realise it.
Edinson Cavani has been an impact substitute this season but now deserves regular minutes
Jadon Sancho
The first couple of months of Jadon Sancho's career at United can be neatly summarised in one word - underwhelming. Brought in from Borussia Dortmund for a big fee, and after a year of waiting, the forward has not hit the ground running.
This may very well come down to the disjointed system he has been thrust into. A player who thrives on neat interchanges and movement around him, the confusion under Solskjaer has done nothing to compliment his enviable ability on the ball.
Instead, his displays have been mixed - searing, mazy dribbles combined with a short pass and a move breaking down. It will be down to Solskjaer's replacement to bring out the best in him, and that will all start with bringing back incision up front.
It has been a poor start to Jadon Sancho's United career, and he struggled in Solskjaer's system
Nemanja Matic
A classy performer, Nemanja Matic has impressed in each of his appearances at United this season. Unfortunately for him, they have been few and far between, despite the midfield woes which have dragged the club back into chaos.
No longer capable of moving around the pitch, hoovering up loose balls and diving into well-time tackles for 90 minutes, Matic has been more of an enforcer, often brought on to help his team hang on to a result. He has done just that perfectly.
But there is a sense of frustration around him, too. A classy holding midfielder, there is no reason why Matic would not compliment the likes of Paul Pogba, Fred or Scott McTominay and allow them to move further forward. He deserves more game time.
