Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen is shocked by the club's demise this season.
The reigning Premier League champions reached three Champions League finals during the Dutchman's second spell at the club, winning one of them, but are currently seventh in the table and out of the running to play in Europe's top competition next season.
"It's really too crazy for words that we are talking about this," he said. "I've been part of the Manchester United backroom staff under Sir Alex Ferguson in the last five years that has proven to be the most successful period in the club's history.
"To now have a really poor season, dropping to seventh in the league table, out of the Champions League suddenly after so many years of constant success, that's probably why the decision has been made.
"Even before David Moyes had the job, I still think United had a fantastic squad with fantastic players. With the right additions it can still be a force very quickly, and next year they want to be challenging for the title again of course."
