Mourinho’s appointment is expected to be confirmed after the Portuguese meets senior United officials on Tuesday.
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Ferdinand, who won 11 trophies in 12 years at United, said while Van Gaal maintained the club’s tradition of blooding youngsters, no major titles and a turgid style of play proved to be his undoing.
Although the announcement was expected on Monday morning, van Gaal reportedly asked the club to delay the news in order for him to depart the country and thereby avoid the inevitable media frenzy.
The Dutchman led United to the FA Cup trophy on Saturday afternoon but, less than 48 hours after his side’s Wembley triumph, has lost his job.
Indeed, the redeeming feature of Van Gaal’s reign was his continuation of the club’s long-held policy of giving youngsters a chance, including Jesse Lingard the scorer of the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.
It was United’s inconsistent form in the Premier League that saw the pressure on Van Gaal intensify, with fourth and fifth-placed finishes to show from his two seasons in charge.
Van Gaal reportedly offered to resign as manager at least twice during the club’s hard Premier League campaign.
The Portuguese coach is a serial victor, guiding Chelsea to three Premier League titles in his two spells, but his footballing philosophy and confrontational style has always been regarded as at odds with United traditions.
“Now they have a guy that is supposed to be the biggest manager in the world, the one that really could save Manchester United”.
“He has been under pressure”, Rooney said of Van Gaal. “I think we all have”.
“On the top of Mourinho’s list was always Manchester United, now he has the opportunity”, Schmeichel, 52, told BBC Radio 5 live. In spite of the many injuries this season we were still in the (Premier League) race and now we have lifted the Cup.
This will be Mourinho’s eighth club job, after stints with Benfica (2000), Uniao de Leiria (2001-2002), Porto (2002-2004), Chelsea (2004-2007, 2013-2015), Inter Milan (2008-2010) and Real Madrid (2010-2013).
“I am indebted to my support and coaching staff, who have given me their all during their time at the club”.
“As close as you could ever get in football to guaranteeing success”.
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Some of the younger players will be, rightly so, fearing for their futures, whilst every player must be wary of the arrival of Jose Mourinho. “It’s better to go home”.
