Manchester United officially release Louis van Gaal

After much speculation surrounding the club's future, Manchester United have finally confirmed Louis van Gaal's departure as manager. In an official statement on their website, executive vice chairman Ed Woodward thanked the 64-year-old Dutchman and his staff for their "excellent work in the past two years culminating in winning a record-equalling 12th FA Cup for the club".

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.

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Having come to the end of his tenure with the Manchester giants, LVG himself issued a heartfelt statement to United's staff and supporters on the club website, declaring himself to be "immensely proud to have helped United win the FA Cup for the 12th time in the club's history" but "very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three-year plan."

With van Gaal's sacking confirmed, Jose Mourinho is expected to be announced as new United head man, although no formal statement has been made. Mourinho would become the fourth Red Devils boss since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

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