Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal refused to discuss his future yesterday amid reports that Jose Mourinho is on the brink of being appointed as his successor.
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An FA Cup win should not gloss over the fact that Van Gaal should have been sacked in December when United were knocked out of the Champions League and lost consecutive games to Norwich City, Bournemouth and Stoke City.
United’s control was even more pronounced after half-time as Van Gaal’s men succeeded in pinning Palace back and they hit the woodwork twice in the space of eight minutes through Marouane Fellaini’s drilled shot and Anthony Martial’s header.
If Mourinho does arrive at Old Trafford, he will have to make do with Europa League football next season as Manchester United have not qualified for the Champions League.
While it remains to be seen whether or not the speculation becomes a reality, The Guardian have reported that the incoming United manager is already lining up several players to form part of his United rebuild.
“In spite of the many injuries this season, we are still in the race (for fourth place) and now we have lifted the cup”.
Despite winning their first FA Cup since the 2003/04 season, Rooney could not help but dwell on United’s less than impressive season.
“Also, in a period of Sir Alex Ferguson, he does not win every title”. “I have had a picture with him, that is history”.
Palace manager Alan Pardew tasted defeat in an FA Cup final for the third time, having been on the losing team when United beat the south London club in a replay in 1990 and overseen West Ham United’s loss on penalties to Liverpool in 2006.
Signing Jose Mourinho means the Manchester United board doesn’t seem to care about if exciting and entertaining football is being offered, the Portuguese is known for his defensive football and only cares about winning and not about how he wins. “Hopefully they get that, it can be a major factor for us”.
Jason Puncheon put Palace ahead with just 12 minutes remaining, but Juan Mata quickly replied and Jesse Lingard snatched victory with a stunning volley in extra-time after United had Chris Smalling sent off.
Midfielder Michael Carrick says he will go if van Gaal is still in charge next season because he is upset at the way the team plays under the Dutchman – but he will stay if Mourinho comes.
FA Cup or no FA Cup, these results are considered a travesty for club of this standard, and Mourinho may be just the man to instigate a revival at Old Trafford.
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“It is a great atmosphere and the team is really close”.
