Woodward said: “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)”.
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News of Van Gaal’s impending departure leaked out minutes after Saturday’s 2-1 Wembley victory over Crystal Palace and, following relentless media speculation and a day of negotiations, it was confirmed by both on Monday evening.
MUFC announcement was delayed at LVG’s request.
Van Gaal’s future has been a constant source of scrutiny, with his side struggling to find consistent form in all competitions this season, despite their FA Cup triumph on Saturday.
With his exit, Jose Mourinho is highly expected to be unveiled by the club as the new manager. Mourinho would become the fourth Red Devils boss since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
While van Gaal initially steadied the ship at Old Trafford, and helped the Red Devils return to the Champions League, he was unable to build on that success this term.
15 – United finished 15 points behind surprise Premier League champions Leicester this season.
Results and performances over the course of the Dutchman’s two-year tenure weren’t good enough to keep him in place for the third and final year of his contract, but his spell wasn’t a complete failure.
Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Anthony Martial were signed by Van Gaal prior to the 2015-16 season and they seemed to have the desired effect as United started strongly.
‘I believe the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success.
“But Manchester United now are looking at going for bigger things”.
“I thank my players and wish them well for next season”.
Louis van Gaal’s career at Manchester United appears to be nearing the end after two turbulent years.
Van Gaal said “it has been particularly rewarding to see so many young players take their chance to break into the first team and excel”.
Van Gaal, however, was not so happy to be moving on. “I would hope he gets the best because Rashford is right up there with some of the best young players we have seen coming out of England”. “They are truly the best fans in the world”.
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Van Gaal went on to thank United’s players, supporters and owners, as well as the board, his coaches and every other member of staff, from the laundry department to the catering team.
