In trying to deal with the widespread surprise at Dan Ashworth's sudden exit as sporting director with as little detail as possible, Manchester United officials let it be known it had been a "difficult decision".
And yet in reality, it may have been relatively easy.
After all, BBC Sport has been told Ashworth had effectively been frozen out of the decision-making picture at Old Trafford, just five months after his arrival as sporting director.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, one senior figure told BBC Sport that Ashworth had been "totally professional in everything, but ultimately the fit hasn't worked. Rather than muddle along, we are taking the difficult decision on both sides and acting quickly".
Another well-connected source told BBC Sport they believed Ashworth had been blamed for the decision to keep former manager Erik ten Hag in the summer.
www.bbc.co.uk
And yet in reality, it may have been relatively easy.
After all, BBC Sport has been told Ashworth had effectively been frozen out of the decision-making picture at Old Trafford, just five months after his arrival as sporting director.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, one senior figure told BBC Sport that Ashworth had been "totally professional in everything, but ultimately the fit hasn't worked. Rather than muddle along, we are taking the difficult decision on both sides and acting quickly".
Another well-connected source told BBC Sport they believed Ashworth had been blamed for the decision to keep former manager Erik ten Hag in the summer.
Dan Ashworth: Did Man Utd sporting director pay price for club's mediocrity?
BBC sports editor Dan Roan and chief football news reporter Simon Stone look at what led to Man Utd sporting director Dan Ashworth leaving his role after just five months.