Louis van Gaal was given the boot barely 48 hours after Manchester United lifted the FA Cup, beating Crystal Palace after going a goal and 10-man down. The Dutch manager became the second gaffer to walk out of the exit door in the post-Alex Ferguson era. Rumours of a player mutiny in the dressing room and discontent from fans over Red Devils’ playing style and tactics is seen as the main reason for the United board making this decision. For a club of United’s stature, a Top Four spot is seen as a minimum requirement, a task that Van Gaal has failed to do this season. Also Read: Louis Van Gaal booed as Manchester United sign off in fifth position
Van Gaal’s tenure may not be seen as a failure on most accounts. Taking over a side that finished seventh in the table and desperately needing surgery across all areas of the pitch, the 67-year-old refurbished the defense, which was watertight for much of his tenure. Up front, he is a seen as a big influence behind the likes of young players like Anthony Martial, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Jese Lingard’s progress. Van Gaal finished 3rd in his first season. Jose Mourinho is an overwhelming favourite to take over the reins at Old Trafford.
Over the last few months, there has been intense speculation over Mourinho being appointed as United manager. The self-proclaimed “Special One” was acrimoniously given the sack by Chelsea, with whom he won three league titles, 3 League Cups and 1 FA Cup over two terms. After winning the League title so comfortably last year, the 53-year-old left Stamford Bridge with the Blues 2 points away from the relegation zone.
Mourinho was also one of the favourites to take over United with Ferguson called time on his glittering 26-year-old reign in 2013. Mourinho’s was seen as a misfit to the philosophy of Manchester United.
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