Manchester United have sacked first team manager, Louis van Gaal.
The Dutchman’s departure had been widely expected despite United’s FA Cup win over Crystal Palace.
After a meeting with employment lawyer Paul Gilroy QC at the club’s Carrington training base on Monday morning, Van Gaal and United have now gone their separate ways.
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.”
The Dutchman, who was appointed in summer 2014 after leading Holland to the World Cup semi-finals, struggled to win the hearts of United supporters with his methods and failure to guide the club into next season’s Champions League.
The club says a “decision on a successor as manager will be announced soon” but several media sources have reported that Jose Mourinho is set to take over.
Manchester United have also been expected to announce Ryan Giggs has followed Louis van Gaal in leaving the club.
With Van Gaal and his Dutch staff having been dismissed, Giggs is said to feel he has no option to follow them out of the Old Trafford door.
Giggs is United’s record appearance holder, having played for the club 963 times, scoring 168 goals, and is also their most decorated player, whose honours include 13 Premier League triumphs.
