After a 48-hour period of intense speculation, Manchester United have officially confirmed that Louis van Gaal has been relieved of his managerial duties.
Just minutes after Van Gaal had guided the Red Devils to FA Cup glory for the first time since 2004 on Saturday evening, widespread reports claimed that United had decided to replace him with Jose Mourinho.
The leak is believed to have come from within Mourinho's camp, rather than United, who up until this point had remained silent on the matter.
However, the writing appeared to be very much on the wall for Van Gaal earlier today when he arrived at the club's Carrington training base, closely followed by a lawyer from the League Managers Association.
The 64-year-old's departure has now been rubber-stamped, with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward telling the club's official website: "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."
There has been no word from the club on Mourinho, with the Portuguese coach's agent Jorge Mendes expected to fly into England tomorrow to finalise the deal.
Liam Apicella
