The decision to dismiss Michael Carrick followed growing frustration within the club over the team's position and performances, with senior figures believing that an immediate change was required.
According to BBC Sport's Manchester United reporter Simon Stone, club sources insist that the decision was based on the results rather than a lack of appreciation for Carrick's contribution after returning to Old Trafford in January.
United felt justified in giving the 45-year-old a permanent two-year contract in May after he won 12 of his remaining 17 matches to secure a third-placed Premier League finish and qualification for the Champions League.
Sources at the club say his "leadership and achievements" since January will always be recognised. However, the situation had deteriorated to such an extent that the hierarchy felt they could no longer wait for an improvement.
United were 18th in the Premier League, inside the relegation places, ahead of their trip to Liverpool on 22 November. That position was viewed internally as well as externally as "unacceptable".
Senior figures at Old Trafford reportedly shared the "frustration and anger" felt by supporters over the team's recent performances and league standing. The growing belief was that a change had to be made immediately rather than allowing the situation to continue.
The club had previously considered dismissing Carrick following the 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth on 25 October. That result came after a damaging 4-1 Champions League loss against Como, which had also been followed by a public outburst from captain Bruno Fernandes.
United decided to give their head coach another opportunity to turn things around, but the performances that followed failed to convince the hierarchy.
There were some encouraging moments. United produced a stirring comeback to beat Roma 3-2, showed promise during the first half of their match against Chelsea and twice recovered from two-goal deficits to draw against Aston Villa.
However, the board did not believe those performances demonstrated that the team was moving in the right direction.
The club's training schedule this week had been arranged a month in advance. Sources acknowledge that the way Carrick was treated during the week of his dismissal did not look good, but insist they were uncertain what alternative arrangements could have been made given the circumstances.
Despite widespread criticism of United's summer transfer business, insiders remain convinced that the current squad is considerably better than its results have suggested.
The club's hierarchy reportedly believes that a different approach from a new head coach can trigger the improvement required to move United away from the relegation zone.
That assessment places significant responsibility on the players as well as the incoming manager, with officials believing the squad has enough quality to produce considerably better performances.
The board also insists that the club remains determined to build a team capable of matching the expectations of its supporters.
While outsiders may question that confidence following another managerial change, senior officials maintain that Manchester United will do everything possible to restore the club's standing and build an organisation worthy of its "immense support".
The challenge now is to turn that stated ambition into results, with the appointment of Carrick's successor the next major decision facing the club.