Louis van Gaal arrived at Manchester United's training ground on Monday morning as his reign at Manchester United drew to a close.
The Dutchman arrived at United's Aon Training Complex at around 8.45am on Monday, his Mercedes sweeping into the Carrington training ground. Renowned lawyer Paul Gilroy QC, who works for the League Managers Association, was also spotted arriving soon after initially being denied entry to the training ground.
Two years ago predecessor David Moyes attended a morning meeting with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward at the club's training complex and a statement confirming the Scot's sacking followed shortly afterwards, just 10 months into a six-year deal to replace Alex Ferguson.
After a disappointing campaign in terms of style and substance at Old Trafford, another change is imminent as José Mourinho prepares for a return to management.
United have steadfastly refused to comment on their managerial situation, while the Portuguese kept his counsel when asked about the job ahead of David Haye’s fight on Saturday evening.
Van Gaal stood firm when asked about his position in the post-match press conference at Wembley, but told a reporter on Sunday outside the team hotel that “it’s over”.
Gilroy, who has represented former United manager Ferguson and England’s Roy Hodgson in the past, has been described as a “tenacious and personable” lawyer who “is renowned for getting a fantastic deal for managers”.
Van Gaal still has a season remaining on his three-year contract, while Mourinho has been out of work since paying for Chelsea’s abysmal title defence with his job in December.
The Portuguese has repeatedly spoken of his plans to return to work this summer, and reviving United’s fortunes would surely be a mouth-watering proposition for the self-styled ‘Special One’.
United, a club synonymous with a swashbuckling, attacking style, managed a paltry 49 league goals - their lowest return for 26 years - and missed out on Champions League qualification to neighbours Manchester City on goal difference.
A first FA Cup win since 2004 was a welcome boost, but captain Wayne Rooney knows the campaign was far from good enough.
“He has been under pressure. I think we all have,” Rooney said of Van Gaal.
“That’s part of playing for Manchester United and managing Manchester United - it is a massive club.
“You have to set standards and we fell below them this season.
“But we have to make sure as players we get back to those standards and make sure we are back challenging for the main trophies.”
Success is something former United midfielder and Chelsea assistant Ray Wilkins is backing Mourinho to bring back to Old Trafford.
“I think it is the right move,” he told talkSPORT. “It is the only move for them. He will get them playing again and he will get them winning again.
“He is a winner - there is no two ways about it. When he goes to a club, normally he wins a big trophy within the first couple of years.”
