Louis van Gaal sacked by Man Utd

Louis van Gaal sacked by Man Utd over poor style of play

Louis van Gaal was dismissed as Manchester United manager just two days after winning the FA Cup
Louis van Gaal was sacked as Manchester United boss because his side played poor quality football this season.

United scored just 49 league goals and were criticised for the lack of attacking play as they finished fifth in the Premier League table.

Dutchman Van Gaal, 64, said he was "very disappointed" to leave, but said "the foundations are firmly in place" to "achieve even greater success".

Jose Mourinho is expected to be named as his successor this week.

The former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss is due to hold talks with senior United officials on Tuesday.

United finished fourth and fifth in the Premier League in his two seasons in charge, missing out on Champions League qualification this term to Manchester City.
In a statement confirming Van Gaal's sacking at 20:30 BST on Monday, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward praised the Dutchman's "great professionalism and dignity" and thanked him for his "excellent work".

United added that a decision on a successor "will be announced soon", with Mourinho, 53, and his agent Jorge Mendes expected to be in Manchester for talks with senior club officials on Tuesday.

Assistant manager and club legend Ryan Giggs has been made an offer to stay but it is not yet known what role that is and whether he will accept.

But assistant coaches Max Reckers, Frans Hoek and Albert Stuivenberg have left the club.
Van Gaal spent more than £250m in his time at Old Trafford, acquiring players like Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay.

The former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss also gave debuts to 14 academy graduates during his spell as manager.

They included midfielder Jesse Lingard, who scored the winner in Saturday's FA Cup final, and striker Marcus Rashford, who has netted eight goals since making his debut in February.

"He leaves us with a legacy of having given several young players the confidence to show their ability on the highest stage," said Woodward.

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

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