United confirm van Gaal sacking, Mourinho awaits

Van Gaal had recently won the FA Cup at the expense of Crystal Palace when the reports emerged that former Chelsea boss Mourihno was nothing but a done deal.

Van Gaal felt he was hard done by after United suffered injuries to several key players and he couldn't hide his anguish at his premature exit.

"I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three year plan," van Gaal said in a statement released by United.

"It has been an honour to manage such a magnificent club as Manchester United, and in doing so, I have fulfilled a long held ambition.

"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.

"I look forward to watching the continued development of these young players next season."

United's statement added "a decision on a successor as manager will be announced soon" as executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward praised van Gaal's efforts.

"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," Woodward said.

"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."

After reportedly learning of his imminent sacking from his wife Truus immediately after the FA Cup final, the Dutch was driven into United's training ground at 08:45 BST on Monday with the football world expecting his departure to be announced quickly.

Mourinho, who served as van Gaal's assistant at Barcelona from 1997 to 2000, is expected to be confirmed as United boss sometime today.

(Supplied)