Louis van Gaal looks set to be departing Manchester United (Picture: Getty)
UNITED KINGDOM, May 22 – Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has seemingly confirmed his departure from the club after telling reporters “it’s over” when asked about his future on Sunday.
The 64-year-old was in a bullish mood in the wake of his side’s 2-1 triumph over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final on Saturday evening, saying he hoped to remain on the Old Trafford helm next season.
Reports suggesting the appointment of Jose Mourinho as United’s new boss have taken centre stage recently, with many press outlets in England claiming the move would be confirmed in the next few days.
And if Van Gaal’s short statement is anything to go by, the move could be announced by the Red Devils shortly.
When asked about his future outside the team’s hotel on Sunday morning, Van Gaal only said: “It’s over”.
Meanwhile, former Manchester United and Everton player Phil Neville gave his thoughts on the potential appointment of Mourinho, something that now appears to be a mere formality.
“[Mourinho] is a proven winner, a proven champion. United fans want a team that will challenge for the league title, not a team that finishes seventh or fifth, and Jose is probably the man for the job,” Neville told BBC Five Live’s Sportsweek programme.
“I can’t see him staying too long at Man United, maybe two or three years, that seems to be his shelf life at a football club.
“When Jose finishes at a club it tends to be a pattern where he falls out with a few players, he gets disgruntled and the team dips.
“It happened at Chelsea, it certainly happened at Real Madrid where there were rumours he fell out with a few players.
“It’s a pattern with Jose, he comes into a club, he gets success but he doesn’t stay for too long.”
