Manchester United have sacked Van Gaal - reports
Manchester United have sacked Louis van Gaal as manager, according to reports.
Manchester United have sacked Louis van Gaal as manager, according to reports.
After a disappointing campaign in terms of style and substance at Old Trafford, the door is now open for Jose Mourinho's return to management.
Before the celebrations had even subsided at Wembley on Saturday, United's FA Cup win was being overshadowed by fresh reports that Van Gaal was to be replaced by the former Chelsea boss in the coming days.
Van Gaal stood firm when asked about his position in the post-match press conference at Wembley, but fuelled speculation on Sunday by telling a reporter outside the team hotel that "it's over''
Van Gaal arrived at United's Carrington Training complex at around 8.45am on Monday
Two years ago, David Moyes attended a morning meeting with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward there and a statement confirming the his sacking followed shortly afterwards.
Van Gaal was followed into United's training ground by employment lawyer Paul Gilroy QC, who has long worked with the League Managers Association.
Having initially been turned away by security, he was allowed into the complex around an hour after the Dutchman arrived.
Gilroy lists former United manager Moyes among the clients he has advised, along with Ferguson, Roy Hodgson and Brendan Rodgers.
Chambers and Partners describe Gilroy as "a noted employment specialist'' who is "renowned for getting a fantastic deal for managers". Van Gaal still has a season remaining on his three-year contract, while Mourinho has been out of work since paying for Chelsea's abysmal title defence with his job in December.
The Portuguese has repeatedly spoken of his plans to return to work this summer, and reviving United's fortunes would surely be a mouth-watering proposition for the self-styled 'Special One'.
United, missed out on Champions League qualification to neighbours Manchester City on goal difference.
A first FA Cup win since 2004 was a welcome boost, but captain Wayne Rooney knows the campaign was far from good enough.
He said: "He has been under pressure. I think we all have,"
"That's part of playing for Manchester United and managing Manchester United - it is a massive club. You have to set standards and we fell below them this season"
"But we have to make sure as players we get back to those standards and make sure we are back challenging for the main trophies."