Manchester United sack Louis van Gaal as Dutch boss receives £5m pay-off with Jose Mourinho preparing to take charge
- Louis van Gaal has been dismissed from his role at Manchester United
- 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
Manchester United have sacked Louis van Gaal just two days after the Dutchman led them 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.
His Dutch coaching staff - including United assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg and goalkeeper coach Frans Hoek - have also left the club with immediate effect.
Louis van Gaal has been sacked by Manchester United just two days after leading the club to the FA Cup
Van Gaal was pictured arriving at United's Aon Training Complex on Monday morning ahead of his sacking
Employment lawyer Paul Gilroy QC arrived at Carrington to finalise Van Gaal's departure from United
Van Gaal's last act at Manchester United was lifting the FA Cup following his side's win over Crystal Palace
Goalkeeper coach Frans Hoek (far left) and Albert Stuivenberg (far right) have left the club along with Van Gaal, while Ryan Giggs (second left) could stay at the club
Performance analyst Max Reckers (far left) has also been shown the Old Trafford exit door by United along with his compatriots Hoek (second left), Stuivenberg (third left) and Van Gaal
Jose Mourinho (left, pictured with Van Gaal) will take over the reins at Old Trafford following the sacking
Mourinho (pictured) and his agent Jorge Mendes will hold talks with Manchester United on Tuesday
An official club statement is due at 1pm (BST), shortly before the New York Stock Exchange opens.
Ed Woodward arrived at Manchester United's Carrington training complex ahead of talks with Van Gaal on Monday morning.
The United executive vice-chairman informed Van Gaal he will no longer continue as manager as they look to appoint Mourinho as his successor.
Van Gaal arrived at Carrington at around 8.45am. His entire coaching staff were also present as they learned their fate.
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'.
Mourinho's trusted assistant Rui Faria (right) is expected to join Mourinho at Manchester United
Mourinho (right) learned his trade under Van Gaal at Barcelona but will now replace his former boss
Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs (left, pictured with Bastian Schweinsteiger) could stay
Manchester United's official logistics partner DHL tweeted 'Happy Monday!' shortly after Sportsmail broke news of Van Gaal's sacking
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 have 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.
Two years ago 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 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.
Van Gaal's predecessor David Moyes was also sacked by Manchester United chief Ed Woodward
Woodward (centre left) congratulates Van Gaal following United's 2-1 extra-time win over Crystal Palace
Van Gaal (left) leaves Stockport train station on Sunday morning, the day after his side lifted the FA Cup
Mourinho (pictured leaving his house in London on Sunday) will be on a £75m five-year contract at United
Van Gaal was unveiled as Manchester United's manager by Sir Bobby Charlton on July 17, 2014
Van Gaal lost his job because of United's poor Premier League form during the course of the season
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.'
United captain Wayne Rooney (left) has admitted his side failed to live up to expectations this season
Van Gaal was allowed to make several high-profile signings, such as Angel di Maria, during his time at United
Mourinho will link back up with Juan Mata (right) - he sold the Spaniard to the Red Devils in January 2014
A vast majority of Manchester United supporters have got their wish with Mourinho set to replace Van Gaal
LOUIS VAN GAAL'S MANCHESTER UNITED TIMELINE
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 Netherlands boss Van Gaal at the World Cup. Holland beat holders Spain 5-1.
Then-future United manager Louis van Gaal celebrates with Robin van Persie during the 2014 World Cup
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 playoff. 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 chief executive 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.
Assistant manager Ryan Giggs (left) looks dejected as United fall to a shock 5-3 defeat by Leicester
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.
Angel di Maria leaves United after just 12 months at the club, he joins French giants PSG for £44.3m
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 by Middlesbrough. The Championship side win on penalties.
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 Midjtylland in the Europa League round of 32 - a club that was founded in 1999.
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 Midjtylland 5-1 in the second leg and win 6-3 on aggregate.
Van Gaal handed teenager Marcus Rashford a first-team start and he took the chance with both hands
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 out of the Europa League 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 the matchwinner as they reignite their top-four hopes.
April 10, 2016 - Red Devils are comfortably beaten 3-0 against 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 received by boos from those within Old Trafford following a 3-1 win at 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.
Jesse Lingard scores the winning goal for Manchester United in their FA Cup win over Crystal Palace
May 23, 2016 - The Dutchman and his coaching staff are sacked as Jose Mourinho waits in the wings.
By Anthony Hay and Luke Augustus
