Manchester United sacked manager Louis van Gaal yesterday two days after the Dutchman led them to victory in the FA Cup final, with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho widely expected to be appointed as his successor.
News of Van Gaal's impending departure leaked out minutes after Saturday's 2-1 Wembley victory over Crystal Palace and, following relentless media speculation and a day of negotiations, it was confirmed by both last night.
"I'd like to thank Louis and his staff for their excellent work in the past two years culminating in winning a record-equalling 12th FA Cup for the club [and securing him a title in four different countries]," executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said in a statement on the club website.
"He has behaved with great professionalism and dignity throughout his time here. He leaves us with a legacy of having given several young players the confidence to show their ability on the highest stage." Van Gaal, however, was not so happy to be moving on.
"I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three-year plan," he said. "I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success."
Former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid manager Mourinho is expected to be named as Van Gaal's replacement later this week, though the club has yet to confirm a successor to the Dutchman who at least brought them some silverware. "I am immensely proud to have helped United win the FA Cup for the 12th time in the club's history," said Van Gaal.
"I have been privileged during my management career to have won 20 trophies but winning the FA Cup, which is steeped in so much history, will always be one of the most special achievements of my career." That Cup success, however, could not gloss over a season in which United finished fifth in the standings, missing out on Champions League qualification, and where dull performances had the fans booing their own team even after victories.
The 64-year-old Dutchman signed a three-year contract in May 2014, succeeding David Moyes, who took over from fellow Scot Alex Ferguson for the 2013-2014 season and was also sacked after failing to live up to his predecessor's standards.
Red Devils, Van Gaal part ways
Manchester United sacked manager Louis van Gaal yesterday two days after the Dutchman led them to victory in the FA Cup final, with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho widely expected to be appointed as his successor.
News of Van Gaal's impending departure leaked out minutes after Saturday's 2-1 Wembley victory over Crystal Palace and, following relentless media speculation and a day of negotiations, it was confirmed by both last night.
"I'd like to thank Louis and his staff for their excellent work in the past two years culminating in winning a record-equalling 12th FA Cup for the club [and securing him a title in four different countries]," executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said in a statement on the club website.
"He has behaved with great professionalism and dignity throughout his time here. He leaves us with a legacy of having given several young players the confidence to show their ability on the highest stage." Van Gaal, however, was not so happy to be moving on.
"I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three-year plan," he said. "I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success."
Former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid manager Mourinho is expected to be named as Van Gaal's replacement later this week, though the club has yet to confirm a successor to the Dutchman who at least brought them some silverware. "I am immensely proud to have helped United win the FA Cup for the 12th time in the club's history," said Van Gaal.
"I have been privileged during my management career to have won 20 trophies but winning the FA Cup, which is steeped in so much history, will always be one of the most special achievements of my career." That Cup success, however, could not gloss over a season in which United finished fifth in the standings, missing out on Champions League qualification, and where dull performances had the fans booing their own team even after victories.
The 64-year-old Dutchman signed a three-year contract in May 2014, succeeding David Moyes, who took over from fellow Scot Alex Ferguson for the 2013-2014 season and was also sacked after failing to live up to his predecessor's standards.
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