Manchester United part company with Van Gaal
Monday, May 23, 2016
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Manchester United have confirmed that Louis van Gaal has left the club with immediate effect, some 48 hours after the Dutchman oversaw their FA Cup final victory.
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Manchester United have confirmed that Saturday's FA Cup final triumph against Crystal Palace will be the last under Louis van Gaal, with the Dutchman leaving with immediate effect.
"I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three-year plan," the 64-year-old said in a statement. "I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success. I hope that winning the FA Cup will give the club a platform to build upon next season to restore the success that this passionate set of fans desire."
Van Gaal departs 12 months before then end of his three-year contract. He arrived at Old Trafford after leading the Netherlands to the semi-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. United finished fourth in the Premier League in his first season in charge but could only manage fifth this term and will play in the UEFA Europa League next season.
The 20-time English champions only scored 49 league goals in 2015/16 – their lowest total in a quarter of a century – though their tally of 18 clean sheets was a Premier League high with Arsenal. Saturday's FA Cup win also gave United a first trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson won the Premier League in 2013 in his last campaign before retirement.