By Andrew Warshaw
May 24 – Manchester United have finally confirmed what the world has been reporting for 48 hours by announcing that Louis van Gaal has been sacked as manager, a sorry end to a saga that has left a sour taste in the mouth despite a massively under-achieving league season.
Van Gaal, who steered United to the FA Cup last weekend, has paid the price for failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League (neither did Liverpool but their manager is, if anything, even more in situ) and is to be replaced by Jose Mourinho who, perhaps for the first time in recent years, will have a point to prove after being axed by Chelsea earlier in the season.
Many believe Mourinho’s imminent appointment is a high-risk strategy given the self-styled Special One’s propensity for not staying long at one club, his notorious habit of picking arguments with staff and officials, and his reluctance to give youth too much of a chance.
But after a season of widespread discontent among United fans, the club has taken a calculated gamble in the hope that a rejuvenated and charismatic Mourinho, whose coaching record and winning attitude speak for themselves, will restore United to what they believe is their rightful place – challenging for the Premier League title.
The fact is that despite spending £250 million United managed a mere 49 league goals last season – their lowest return for 26 years – and following relentless media speculation and a day of negotiations, van Gaal’s exit was confirmed by both parties.
“I’d 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,” United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said in a statement on their website.
“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.”
The standoffish Van Gaal, who never wavered in his self-belief especially after delivering United first trophy in three years, was clearly unhappy at the decision, alluding to a career of success. “I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three-year plan,” he said.
“I have been privileged during my management career to have won 20 trophies but winning the FA Cup, which is steeped in so much history, will always be one of the most special achievements of my career.”
That triumph, ultimately, could not make up for a season in which United finished fifth after a string of dull performances that had the fans booing their own team.
Whether Mourinho, hardly renowned himself for an all-out attacking style, will be criticised if he restores the glory days yet fails to bring back flair and excitement is one of many intriguing questions for next season.
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