Van Gaal leaves Man United with immediate effect

After several months of speculation, Manchester United have finally fired troubled manager Louis Van Gaal.

The Dutchman was let go on Monday just two days after he led United to win a record-equalling 12th FA Cup when his side beat Crystal Palace 2-1 on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.

Manchester United confirmed Van Gaal’s exit in a statement on their official website. The statement signed by Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: “I would like to thank Louis and his staff for their excellent work in the past two years culminating in winning a record-equalling 12th FA Cup for the club (and securing him a title in four different countries).

“He has behaved with great professionalism and dignity throughout his time here. He leaves us with a legacy of having given several young players the confidence to show their ability on the highest stage. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best in the future.”

Woodward said a decision on a successor as manager will be announced soon though all indications are that the club will hire former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

The 64-year-old Van Gaal led United to the top four in his first season .Winning the FA Cup last Saturday is the first time United were winning a major trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013.

Van Gaal had nothing but great things to say about the club and said that he had filled a long-held ambition by managing the team.

I am immensely proud to have helped United win the FA Cup for the 12th time in the club’s history. I have been privileged during my management career to have won 20 trophies but winning the FA Cup, which is steeped in so much history, will always be one of the most special achievements of my career.

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.

I hope that winning the FA Cup will give the club a platform to build upon next season to restore the success that this passionate set of fans desire.