Manchester United have confirmed the sacking of Louis van Gaal as manager, cutting short his stint after two years in charge of the club. 
Reports have been circulating in several British and European media outlets before the FA Cup final claiming that the Dutchman would leave his post regardless of the outcome of the match, which United went on to win 2-1 against Crystal Palace on Saturday. 
Monday's announcement from the club seems to be the formality of a decision that has been a nearly known fact for media and fans alike. "I would like to thank Louis and his staff for their excellent work in the past two years culminating in winning a record-equaling 12th FA Cup for the club," Vice Chairman Ed Woodward said in a statement issued by the club. 
"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." Missing out on next season's Champions League, elimination from the group stage of the this season's edition as well as the Europa League, coupled with lackluster and boring performances that alienated supporters were enough catalysts for the club to end the 64-year-old's tenure one year before the expiration of his three-year contract. 
Van Gaal said he was "very disappointed" to be unable to see out his contract but insisted "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," he added. 
Besides winning the FA Cup for the first time since 2004, Van Gaal's only other legacy is the introduction of some young players, notably Markus Rashford, to the team. "It has been a pleasure to work with them and it has been particularly rewarding to see so many young players take their chance to break into the first team and excel," said the outgoing United manager. 
His questionable decisions in the past two transfer markets where he was handed more than $350 million to overhaul his squad is another reason his stint will be viewed as anything but successful. 
Jose Mourinho is expected to inherit the Old Trafford managerial seat and reports have suggested for a while that an agreement has already been reached with him. The Portuguese self-styled "Special One" was himself sacked by Chelsea in December following a terrible start to the season with the same side that he led to the Premier League title last year. 
United said an announcement will be made soon on the identity of Van Gaal's successor.

Source: QNA