Louis van Gaal

By Chris
May 23 2016

Louis van Gaal has been sacked by Manchester United, paving the way for the appointment of ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

After two seasons at the helm, the FA Cup triumph over Crystal Palace marks both van Gaal’s finest, and final, hour.

Hopes were high following the 64-year-old's appointment that the Dutchman could lead United back to greatness following David Moyes' difficult tenure.

Nevertheless, he failed to instil an attractive brand of football at United, with the club’s lack of ambition emphasised by scoring only 49 league goals this season, fewer than teams substantially further down the league.

The FA Cup triumph brought delight to United’s fans and ended a frustrating silverware drought – but has not proved enough to spare LVG’s job, amid furious speculation about his immediate future.

Winning 23 of 44 games in charge in his opening season, van Gaal’s first season at the helm was largely characterised by United’s return to the Champions League.

The Red Devils’ campaign amid Europe's elite ended frustratingly at the Group stages; and van Gaal’s win ratio remained largely stagnant, victorious in 31 of 59 matches; taking his total to 54 wins for the club from 103 attempts.

It is now fully anticipated that Mourinho will be appointed in the days which follow – a huge moment for the club.

Formerly of Benfica, U.D. Leiria, Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, Mourinho brings an unbelievable wealth of experience to Old Trafford, and returns to management after being sacked by the Pensioners in December 2015 after losing nine of 16 Premier League games.

A controversial, charismatic, world-renowned personality, interesting times await the Red Army. His first test at the helm will be the Community Shield at Wembley against Leicester City in August.