For every critical football pundit and analyst, it was a ticking bomb - the sacking of Mourinho was clearly written on the wall. The only question on the lips of many was "When it would eventually be" not "if he would be eventually sacked".
It most likely came as no news that Manchester United have decided to part ways with coach, Jose Mourinho after just two-and-a-half years of the Portuguese being in charge.
More interestingly is the coincidence that, Mourinho was sacked same day two years ago at Chelsea for similar reasons only then, it was the 2-1 loss to Leicester City that broke the camel's back.
While most people and critics believe that the 3-1 thumping at the hands of Liverpool over the weekend was the cause, well, it is not the first time Liverpool would be defeating United. The problem however started since the off-season.
The decision of the United board to not spend during the summer to bring in quality raised eyebrows from many quarters and even drew criticism from Mourinho himself who point blankly said at the beginning of the season that "fans should not expect any miracle to happen" - given the kind of squad he has and the investment therein.
The board contrarily said that their lack of investment was due to the fact that, all players Mourinho identified were reaching the end of their careers as was evident in the signing of Lee Grant who is already above 30 as a cover for David de Gea.
Down into the season, Mourinho had also fallen out with most of his players, Paul Pogba especially with the two getting at loggerheads at every opportunity they get. His ego is what many see as the crux of all these.
The problem with Pogba started after the Portuguese handler stripped the Frenchman off the Vice-Captaincy role prior to their Carabao Cup Loss to Frank Lampard's Derby County. It had been a roller-coaster down the drain for the two since then.
Pogba although has not reached the form that was expected of him after his big money move from Juventus and following a stellar outing at the World Cup in Russia, one would have thought he would bring transfer the form to the club side. His incessant fights with Mourinho seemed to have watered down the morale he was buzzing with.
Conspicuously, Pogba was missing in the loss to Liverpool which also brings into question, the ego of Mourinho. Why leave one of the best hands you have out of a derby of such importance?
Yes, Pogba may have his own issues and ego but why then are you being paid as a manager if you cannot handle your team and the ego within?
It is becoming a trend in Mourinho's career with similar things leading to his ouster from Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Mourinho has also always being critical of the mentality of his players in the public, always questioning their desire to play and win while failing to address issues whenever he is asked to clear the air.
Very popularly, after his team's 3-0 home loss to Tottenham, rather than address the question he was asked, he said in his post-match press conference that "he did not lose by three goals, that the three goals mean he has won three championship titles, more than the entire 19 players he featured in the game". What a manager!
It is not surprising that this season has been the worst start for United since the post-Ferguson era. In fact, David Moyes was closer to the top four than Mourinho is at this stage of the season.
Luis Van Gaal despite his time being widely criticised, he was level on points with fourth placed Tottenham during his time whereas Mourinho finds himself 11 solid points behind fourth placed Chelsea and 19 adrift of log leaders, Liverpool.
I feel the board got the appointment of Mourinho wrong from the outset. After the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, it was expected that they would bring on board a coach "for the future". One who had the skill and competence to build the next generation, apparently, Mourinho is a "quick fix" manager, not your long term go-to guy.
Michael Carrick is set to take charge of the team for the next 24 hours before a caretaker manager who will be from outside the club would be appointed to at least steer the sinking ship till the end of the season.
Many names would have popped up but as it is now, I doubt if they have the luxury of such managers in the market.
Arsene Wenger for me is a no go area. I would not even expect the French man to take the job.
Pep Guardiola - Off Limits.
Jurgen Klopp is out of the equation, you cannot leave a flying spaceship to join a sinking submarine.
Mauricio Pochettino would have been a perfect fix, however, he just signed a new long-term contract with Tottenham and with the prospect of moving to a new stadium at the turn of the year. He is beyond reach for United at the moment.
Zinedine Zidane would also have been perfect for the job, however, his language barrier - not being able to speak English, might prove a huge stumbling block.
Who the gets to save the sinking United Ship? A billion dollar question... Tick tick tick... Time will tell.
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