PREMIER LEAGUE
Man Utd sack Van Gaal as Mourinho waits in the wings
Reports across the British media say United have dismissed manager Louis van Gaal, with José Mourinho set to be appointed.
Premier League giants Manchester United have sacked manager Louis van Gaal, according to reports across the UK media.
The departure of the Dutchman, who took over at Old Trafford in 2014, is set to be followed by confirmation of José Mourinho as his replacement.
The Portuguese coach, whose former clubs include FC Porto, Real Madrid and Chelsea, has been heavily linked with the United job since early 2016.
Van Gaal's arrival at United's Carrington training ground on Monday morning came shortly before that of leading employment lawyer Paul Gilroy QC.
Gilroy represented David Moyes when the Scot was fired as United boss two years ago, and it is thought his presence in this instance was in a similar capacity.
Van Gaal's imminent exit comes two days after he lifted the first trophy of his tenure with FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace.
Mourinho's appointment would reignite his previous 'El Clásico' rivalry with ex-Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, who takes charge at Manchester City this summer.
Van Gaal's sacking could well see assistant and Red Devils legend Ryan Giggs leave the club after 29 years.
United qualified for the Champions League in Van Gaal's first season, but had to settle for fifth in the top flight this year, leaving them in next term's Europa League.