Manchester United sack Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho preparing to take charge

Manchester United sack Louis van Gaal as Dutch boss receives £5m pay-off with Jose Mourinho preparing to take charge.

Jose Mourinho will take over reins at Old Trafford following Van Gaal's exit.

Albert Stuivenberg, Frans Hoek and Max Reckers have also left the club.

Ryan Giggs' future is up in the air following Van Gaal's sacking.

Ed Woodward has thanked Van Gaal and his staff for their 'excellent work'

In a statement, Van Gaal admitted he was 'very disappointed' to be sacked

Louis van Gaal's sack has come just two days after the Dutchman led Manchester United to victory over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.

Van Gaal, who has been given a £5million pay-off on top of £400,000 for winning the FA Cup, has been made to pay for United's poor Premier League campaign and will be replaced by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

United confirmed Van Gaal's sacking in a statement at 8.30pm on Monday and announced that his successor would be named soon. The Dutchman also released a statement, admitting he was 'very disappointed' to lose his job.

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said: 'I would 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).

'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. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best in the future.'

Woodward visited Van Gaal at his home in Bowdon on Sunday night to deliver the news. He informed the Dutchman that he would no longer continue as manager as they look to appoint Mourinho as his successor.

Van Gaal's coaching staff - including United assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg and goalkeeper coach Frans Hoek - have also left the club with immediate effect.

Van Gaal, who flew to Portugal on Monday evening, asked the club to delay confirmation of his sacking until he had left the country. The club was described as being in a state of 'chaos' throughout the day.

The 64-year-old was pictured waving goodbye as he left United's training ground base for what is likely to be the last time on Monday afternoon.

In a statement, Van Gaal said: 'It has been an honour to manage such a magnificent club as Manchester United FC, and in doing so, I have fulfilled a long-held ambition.

'I am immensely proud to have helped United win the FA Cup for the 12th time in the club's history. 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.

UNITED'S STATEMENT ON VAN GAAL

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said: 'I would 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). 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. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best in the future.'

A decision on a successor as manager will be announced soon.

'I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three-year plan. I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success.

'I hope that winning the FA Cup will give the club a platform to build upon next season to restore the success that this passionate set of fans desire.

'Having managed in Holland, Spain and Germany, I had always hoped for the opportunity to manage in English football and be part of English culture. Both of these experiences have lived up to expectations and been fantastic.

'I thank my players and wish them well for next season. It has been a pleasure to work with them and it has been particularly rewarding to see so many young players take their chance to break into the first team and excel. I look forward to watching the continued development of these young players next season.

'Thank you to the owners and board of Manchester United for giving me the opportunity to manage this great club.

'I would also like to express my gratitude to the amazing United supporters. They are truly the best fans in the world.

'I am indebted to my support and coaching staff, who have given me their all during their time at the club.

'I am deeply grateful to each and every member of the club's staff - the sports science team, the medical team, the kit and laundry department, club administration, the press office, the manager's team, the Academy team, ground staff and the catering team, both at Old Trafford stadium and Carrington training ground, all of whom have given me their unwavering support in my time at United. Never in my 25 years as a manager have I been so well supported in my role.

'Finally, my special thanks go to Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton for always making me and my family feel so welcome throughout my time as Manchester United manager.'

Mourinho expects to have more talks on Tuesday ahead of signing a three-year deal with his long-term assistant Rui Faria and goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro expected to follow.

Ryan Giggs' future at United is up in the air despite Mourinho's wish to keep the Welshman at the club.

Van Gaal's trusted performance analyst Max Reckers, who caused friction within the Manchester United family, has also been shown the Old Trafford exit door.

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 David Moyes among the clients he has advised, along with Sir Alex 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'.

FA cup win overshadowed

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.

United had steadfastly refused to comment on speculation regarding their managerial situation, while the Portuguese kept his counsel when asked about the job ahead of David Haye's fight on Saturday evening.

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'.

The brevity of the comment meant it was not immediately clear whether that meant the former Holland manager had been told his time at United was at an end.

Daley Blind was unaware United had sacked Van Gaal before the club's confirmation on Monday evening.

Blind told Fox Sports Holland: 'I follow the news just like you. The media have him sacked him 82 times this season I believe. It could be that they are right once. But Manchester United have no official statement brought out. And the training I have looked on my phone. I was not told anything.

'I would be sorry if it is so. I have worked fine with him. Like the other players. It was a tough season but we won the FA Cup together. Then we said goodbye to each other as if we were meeting again after the summer for another season. Now it's wait and see if that happens.'

Two years ago Van Gaal's predecessor, Moyes, attended a morning meeting with Woodward at the club's training complex and a statement confirming the Scot's sacking followed shortly afterwards, just 10 months into a six-year deal to replace Ferguson.

Van Gaal had 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.

VAN GAAL'S OVERALL RECORD AT MANCHESTER UNITED
Matches: 103

Games won: 54

Games drawn: 25

Games lost: 24

Goals for: 158

Goals against: 98

Win percentage: 52.4%

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, a club synonymous with a swashbuckling, attacking style, managed a paltry 49 league goals - their lowest return for 26 years - and 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 admitted the campaign was far from good enough.

'He has been under pressure. I think we all have,' Rooney said of Van Gaal.

'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.'

Success is something former United midfielder and Chelsea assistant Ray Wilkins is backing Mourinho to bring back to Old Trafford.

'I think it is the right move,' he told talkSPORT. 'It is the only move for them. He will get them playing again and he will get them winning again.

'He is a winner - there is no two ways about it. When he goes to a club, normally he wins a big trophy within the first couple of years.'

LOUIS VAN GAAL'S STATEMENT IN FULL

It has been an honour to manage such a magnificent club as Manchester United FC, and in doing so, I have fulfilled a long-held ambition.

I am immensely proud to have helped United win the FA Cup for the 12th time in the club's history. 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.

I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three-year plan. I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success.

I hope that winning the FA Cup will give the club a platform to build upon next season to restore the success that this passionate set of fans desire.

Having managed in Holland, Spain and Germany, I had always hoped for the opportunity to manage in English football and be part of English culture. Both of these experiences have lived up to expectations and been fantastic.

I thank my players and wish them well for next season. It has been a pleasure to work with them and it has been particularly rewarding to see so many young players take their chance to break into the first team and excel. I look forward to watching the continued development of these young players next season.

Thank you to the owners and board of Manchester United for giving me the opportunity to manage this great club.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the amazing United supporters. They are truly the best fans in the world.

I am indebted to my support and coaching staff, who have given me their all during their time at the club.

I am deeply grateful to each and every member of the club’s staff - the sports science team, the medical team, the kit and laundry department, club administration, the press office, the manager's team, the Academy team, ground staff and the catering team, both at Old Trafford stadium and Carrington training ground, all of whom have given me their unwavering support in my time at United. Never in my 25 years as a manager have I been so well supported in my role.

Finally, my special thanks go to Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton for always making me and my family feel so welcome throughout my time as Manchester United manager.

LOUIS VAN GAAL'S MANCHESTER UNITED TIMELINE

Van Gaal was pictured waving goodbye as he left Manchester United's Carrington training base on Monday

May 19, 2014 – Van Gaal is confirmed as David Moyes' successor after agreeing a three-year deal with the club. He names Ryan Giggs as his assistant.

June 13, 2014 – United fans are left excited after seeing their striker Robin van Persie celebrate on the touchline with Holland boss Van Gaal at the World Cup. Holland beat holders Spain 5-1.

June 26, 2014 – The Red Devils confirm the signing of long-term United target Ander Herrera after the transfer was given the green light by Van Gaal. He becomes the club's first purchase under the Dutchman.

June 27, 2014 – Luke Shaw is the next player to arrive at Manchester United. He joins from Southampton for £30million.

July 12, 2014 – Holland finish third at the World Cup by beating hosts Brazil in the play-off. Van Gaal can finally switch his attention from his country's national team to Manchester United.

July 16, 2014 – Van Gaal is pictured with Giggs and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward at the club's training ground just four days after Holland's win over Brazil. Woodward says Van Gaal was the 'perfect choice' due to his previous success in Europe.

July 17, 2014 – The Dutchman is unveiled to the media in his first press conference as United manager. He lays down plans to win the Premier League in his first season in England.

August 4, 2014 – Van Gaal impresses his new fans by leading his side to an International Champions Cup triumph. They beat Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid on their way to the final. United defeat rivals Liverpool 3-1 to lift the trophy.

August 16, 2014 — United lose their opening game of the season against Swansea City at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney cancels out Ki Sung-Yueng's opener but Gylfi Sigurdsson scores the winner.

August 26, 2014 — United announce the club-record signing of Angel di Maria for £60m. He joins fellow countryman Marcos Rojo at Old Trafford.

August 26, 2014 — Then-League One outfit MK Dons spring a major surprise by thrashing United 4-0 in the Capital One Cup. United are yet to win a game under Van Gaal.

September 2, 2014 — United fans are far from happy after seeing academy graduate Danny Welbeck leave the club to join rivals Arsenal.

September 14, 2014 — Van Gaal finally claims his first win as United boss. Summer signings Herrera and Di Maria score against QPR, while Radamel Falcao — who joined on deadline day — makes a cameo appearance from the bench.

September 21, 2014 — Another bad day in the office for Van Gaal as United are beaten 5-3 by Leicester at the King Power Stadium.

December 14, 2014 — United finally gather momentum by stringing six consecutive victories together. Their final win of the run comes against Liverpool in a comfortable 3-0 triumph.

March 9, 2015 — Van Gaal's decision to sell Welbeck comes back to haunt the club as the England ace scores the winning goal in Arsenal's FA Cup victory at Old Trafford.

April 12, 2015 — Another fine run sees United beat Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City to boost their chances of finishing inside the top four.

May 20, 2015 — Van Gaal rallies his players and the United fans in a hilarious seven-minute speech at the end-of-season awards night. He says his side are close to winning the league.

May 24, 2015 — The season comes to an end after a dour 0-0 draw with Hull. United had already beaten Tottenham and Liverpool to fourth spot to qualify for the Champions League.

July 14, 2015 — Robin van Persie leaves United after Van Gaal told his fellow countryman that he had to adapt to the club's intense training methods.

August 6, 2015 — Club record signing Di Maria is sold to PSG, 12 months after joining the club from Real Madrid.

August 8, 2015 — United win their first game of the season by picking up a slender 1-0 victory over Tottenham.

August 22, 2015 — Van Gaal's philosophy comes under fire as United fail to beat a struggling Newcastle side at home.

September 1, 2015 — Anthony Martial joins fellow summer signings Morgan Schneiderlin, Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian and Bastian Schweinsteiger at the club.

October 4, 2015 — United are well and truly beaten at the Emirates Stadium as they fall to a 3-0 defeat by Arsenal.

October 28, 2015 — The Red Devils are knocked out of the Capital One Cup on penalties by Middlesbrough.

December 8, 2015 — United are eliminated from the Champions League after a disastrous group stage.

December 19, 2015 — Fans show their disappointment at United's form by booing Van Gaal's side at Old Trafford after they are beaten by Norwich. Jose Mourinho's availability intensifies pressure on the Dutchman. United have failed to win any of their last six games.

January 9, 2016 - The Red Devils scrape past Sheffield United in the FA Cup third round thanks to a late Wayne Rooney penalty.

January 17, 2016 - Rooney proves the hero for United once more as they win 1-0 at Liverpool in the Premier League - maintaining Van Gaal's 100 per cent record against the Reds since his Old Trafford arrival.

February 18, 2016 - Van Gaal watches his side suffer an embarrassing 2-1 first-leg defeat at Danish minnows Midtjylland - only founded in 1999 - in the Europa League round of 32.

February 25, 2016 - A new star is born at Old Trafford as unknown 18-year-old Marcus Rashford scores twice on debut as United come from behind to beat Midtjylland 5-1 in the second leg and win 6-3 on aggregate.

March 10, 2016 - The Europa League last 16 pits United against bitter rivals Liverpool and the first leg sees United tamely lose 2-0 at Anfield.

March 17, 2016 - United are eliminated following a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in the second leg.

March 20, 2016 - Van Gaal's side regroup just days later to win 1-0 at 'noisy neighbours' Manchester City. Rashford with the goal as they reignite their top-four hopes.

April 10, 2016 - Red Devils are comfortably beaten 3-0 by Tottenham as they arrive late at White Hart Lane due to traffic problems - disrupting their match preparation.

April 23, 2016 - Martial scores a dramatic late winner against Everton to send United into their first FA Cup final since 2007.

May 10, 2016 - The Old Trafford outfit have destiny in their own hands for a top-four finish if they beat West Ham. Leading 2-1 with minutes remaining Van Gaal's side capitulate to lose 3-2 at Upton Park. Ugly scenes before at Upton Park mar the match.

May 15, 2016 - Manchester City's 1-1 draw at Swansea all but resigns Manchester United to Europa League football next season. The Red Devils can't fulfil their final game against Bournemouth due to a 'bomb' scare at Old Trafford.

May 17, 2016 - Van Gaal's end-of-season speech is met by boos from those within Old Trafford following a 3-1 win against Bournemouth.

May 21, 2016 - Jesse Lingard's stunning goal sees United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 after extra time at Wembley to lift the FA Cup. It's Van Gaal's first trophy at United and the club's first since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

May 23, 2016 - The Dutchman and his coaching staff are sacked as Jose Mourinho waits in the wings.