Manchester United: Louis Van Gaal sacked, Jose Mourinho awaits

"Louis Van Gaal has been sacked as manager of Manchester United following another disappointing season, despite their recent FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace at the weekend. "
Published by
23rd May 2016

Louis Van Gaal has been sacked as manager of Manchester United following another disappointing season, despite their recent FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace at the weekend.

 

The charismatic Dutchman appeared to be on borrowed time after missing out on Champions League football finishing fifth in the Premier League this season. The 64 year-old was sacked on Monday after returning to the club's Carrington training base, where he was relieved of his managerial duties. Former Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho looks in line to replace him at Old Trafford later this week.

Louis Van Gaal said in a statement: "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 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."

Van Gaal spent two years in charge of the club and arrived at United with an impressive CV and growing reputation on the back of recent success as manager of The Netherlands, guiding them to the semi final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Previous managerial success at Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich had fans believing that Van Gaal was the right man to take the club forward.

After a solid first season, Van Gaal secured Champions League football and it was expected that in his second season he would make Manchester United title challengers once more.

However, the Dutchman’s relationship soon turned sour, who similar to David Moyes, could not match the brand of football and success brought to the club by their predecessor, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ultimately, a poor domestic season, League Cup elimination to Middlesbrough and Europa League elimination to bitter rivals, Liverpool in his second season all added to his demise at the club as his multi million signings failed to live up to their expensive billing with over £250 million being splashed on bringing titles back to the club.

Van Gaal’s transfers proved to be an expensive mistake, as his new recruits failed to grasp his rigid style of play, who at times, were not able to express themselves in Van Gaal’s system.

Louis Van Gaal’s final act as Manchester United boss was bringing the club their trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign ended in 2013. The extra-time victory over Crystal Palace at Wembley was the first time the club had won the famous trophy since 2004, however it was ultimately not enough to save his job as speculation over his position reached fever pitch.

Football Ticket Pad recently discussed how FA Cup success may not be enough to save Van Gaal at Manchester United and it has proved to come to fruition as he was sacked once returning to the club’s training base on Monday morning.

It is widely expected that Jose Mourinho will be announced as the new manager to replace Van Gaal, who will return to management following his sacking at Chelsea last December.

Mourinho is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest football managers and if appointed, Manchester United fans will certainly be optimistic about weather ‘The Special One’ can replicate his previous successes to help the club challenge once more.