Louis van Gaal sacking paves way for Jose Mourinho arrival at Manchester United
Manchester United are poised to confirm the sacking of manager Louis van Gaal less than 48 hours after he led them to their first trophy of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The Dutchman, who was appointed in summer 2014 after leading Holland to the World Cup semi-finals, is widely expected to be replaced by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho this week – perhaps even as soon as tomorrow.
Van Gaal struggled to win over United supporters with his prescriptive methods, idiosyncratic selection policy and turgid style, but it was his failure to guide the club into next season's Champions League that is likely to have cost him his job.
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He is thought to be in line to receive a £5m severance payment for having contract terminated a year early.
Van Gaal's United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 after extra-time to win the FA Cup on Saturday, but news of the club's decision to sack him was leaked before he had even finished post-match media duties.
Former United and England defender Philip Neville has billed Mourinho as "probably the man for the job" but believes the Portuguese will demand assurances that he will be allowed to overhaul the squad over the summer.
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Mourinho was sacked from his second spell in charge of Chelsea in December, just seven months after leading them to the Premier League title, after a disastrous and controversy-riddled start to the season.