The 40-year-old met the Bohemians board on Thursday to ask to be removed from his contract, paving the way for him to join United on the three-year contract he agreed 24 hours earlier. Fenlon was under the impression he had a gentleman’s agreement with his club allowing him to walk away for free because of unpaid bonuses – understood to run into six figures – which he was due for delivering four trophies in two seasons.

But during a stormy meeting, Bohemians refused to cede to his request and instead demanded compensation of €200,000 from United.

Stephen Thompson, the Tannadice chairman, offered them €100,000 yesterday but withdrew the bid at 5pm after Bohemians rejected the move.

Fenlon last night consulted his legal advisers and is looking into whether he can walk away citing breach of contract for the unpaid money.

His relationship with Bohemians has soured to such an extent that he may resign and run the risk of a court case to clinch his dream job in the SPL.

“We can’t agree a compensation fee with Bohemians so we’ve withdrawn our offer and that’s the end of it as far as we’re concerned. It’s dis­appointing, but we’ll move on from here and take a look at other options,” said Thompson.

Thompson will now turn his attentions to other candidates, with Archie Knox, recently installed as assistant to Craig Brown at Mother­well, a candidate
to take over in the interim.

Raith Rovers manager John McGlynn and Shamrock’s Michael O’Neill were also contenders, along with Fulham reserve coach Billy McKinlay so they will now come back into play.

Kilmarnock’s Jim Jefferies, whose future at Rugby Park is under threat, may also emerge as a possible alternative.

Thompson said: “We will have a think about the options available to us. Appointing an interim mana­ger is something we may also look at.”

Dusan Pernis, meanwhile, will finally make his debut for United against Partick Thistle today – six months and a manager after agreeing to sign for the club.

United are minus Danny Cadamarteri, who has torn a calf muscle, and Scott Robertson with both players booked in for scans, revealed the club’s interim manager, Peter Houston.