David Moyes has thanked Sir Alex Ferguson for giving him the chance to manage Manchester United.
In his first public statement since his dismissal on Tuesday, Moyes said he wished the club well for the future.
"To have been appointed as manager of Manchester United was and remains something of which I will always be incredibly proud," said the Scot.
"I remain grateful to Sir Alex for believing in my ability and giving me the chance to manage United."
Nevertheless, BBC Sport understands Moyes is livid about the way his exit was handled.
Intense speculation surfaced on Monday afternoon that the 50-year-old was going to be sacked, but it was not until a meeting with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward on Tuesday morning that Moyes discovered his fate.
"The LMA is very disappointed with the nature of David's departure from Manchester United and to read extensive reports in the press, confirming David's sacking, before David himself had been spoken to officially by the club," said League Managers' Association chief executive Richard Bevan.
"Throughout his time at United, David, as he always does, has conducted himself with integrity and professionalism, values that he believes in and that have been strongly associated with the club and its rich tradition. It is therefore sad to see the end of David's tenure at United being handled in an unprofessional manner."