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Louis van Gaal is driven out of Carrington training ground yesterday

MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed that manager Louis van Gaal has been sacked, paving the way for Jose Mourinho to take charge at Old Trafford.

Speculation had been rife for several months that the Dutchman would depart the Red Devils, and though he claimed the FA Cup with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace after extra time, his failure to qualify for the Champions League ultimately proved his undoing.

Earlier yesterday Van Gaal had been informed of the decision, with final confirmation following later from the Premier League giants.

Jose Mourinho was surrounded by journalists and photographers as he left his home yesterday

“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),” executive vice-chairman Edward Woodward said in a statement published by United on their official website.

“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.”

Van Gaal joined the Red Devils ahead of the 2014-15 campaign, after David Moyes was removed from the post following his one-year stint as Sir Alex Ferguson’s replacement.

The ex-Barcelona boss’ first term ended with United regaining a place in the Champions League, but criticisms mounted due to a lack of goals and some erratic results at Old Trafford.

The club were then booted out of the Champions League at the group stage, with tilts at the Europa League and a final-four finish also ending in failure in 2015-16. — Goal