Louis van Gaal’s fate as Manchester United manager is set to be sealed on Monday, with the club’s American owners due to rubber-stamp his departure – two days after winning the FA Cup at Wembley
Jose Mourinho, the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan coach, is set to take charge at Old Trafford on a three-year deal, but Van Gaal’s exit has still to be confirmed by the club.
However, with Joel, Bryan and Avram Glazer all at Wembley to witness the FA Cup Final victory against Crystal Palace, which was sealed by Jesse Lingard’s extra-time goal, the three United directors are understood to be planning to resolve Van Gaal’s situation at a meeting in London on Monday, which will also involve executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward
Mourinho, also in London to attend a David Haye fight at the O2 Arena, will take charge of United once Van Gaal’s departure is confirmed by the club.
Mourinho’s first game in charge is likely to be against Borussia Dortmund in Shanghai on June 22 before facing neighbours Manchester City and their new coach, Pep Guardiola, in Beijing three days later.
United are determined to ensure Van Gaal’s departure is handled in a dignified manner, with the Dutchman’s contract paid up for the remaining year of his contract.
The former Ajax, Bayern Munich and Barcelona coach could yet be offered an ambassadorial role by the club, who have been impressed by the work he has done behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
But after finishing fifth in the Premier League this season, and therefore missing out on the Champions League, United have decided to and replace Van Gaal with Mourinho