Manchester United chiefs axed manager Jose Mourinho before Christmas due to European qualification concerns.
ESPN says United were floundering in sixth at the time of Mourinho's dismissal, 11 points off the top four after Liverpool dismantled them 3-1 at Anfield in December.
That game spelled the end for Mourinho, who was sacked two days after in a 10-minute meeting with Ed Woodward.
And the reason behind his dismissal was for the absence of any Champions League insurance.
Mourinho struggled at United in 2017, finishing sixth in the Premier League.
But their triumph in the Europa League meant they progressed to the Champions League anyway.
This year, the chances of winning the European competition is minimal after drawing Paris St-Germain in the first knockout round.
Subsequently, Mourinho was also axed a day after the draw on December 17.