Incoming Manchester United
manager Jose Mourinho phoned Louis van Gaal within the past couple of
weeks to tell the Dutchman he would replace him at Old Trafford.
Van Gaal was sacked by United yesterday, with Mourinho’s appointment poised to be announced, and the Portuguese was keen to ensure that the situation didn’t sour his friendship with the experienced coach, as reported by the Mirror.
The pair previously worked together at Barcelona and maintain a cordial relationship, despite the current situation.
Van Gaal was dismissed by United even though he had a year remaining on his contract, with the club’s FA Cup success not sufficient to save the 64-year-old’s job.
Van Gaal was sacked by United yesterday, with Mourinho’s appointment poised to be announced, and the Portuguese was keen to ensure that the situation didn’t sour his friendship with the experienced coach, as reported by the Mirror.
The pair previously worked together at Barcelona and maintain a cordial relationship, despite the current situation.
Van Gaal was dismissed by United even though he had a year remaining on his contract, with the club’s FA Cup success not sufficient to save the 64-year-old’s job.
Mourinho’s imminent appointment will
come as little surprise, with the former Chelsea boss having been linked
with the managerial position at United since being sacked by the Blues
last December.
United’s failure to secure Champions League qualification helped to spell the end for Van Gaal at the club, with his cause not helped by the fact that his side were also accused of playing tediously slow football at times.
The Dutchman did, however, provide opportunities to several youngsters during his time at Old Trafford, and it will be intriguing to see the plans that Mourinho – who has a track record of favouring experienced players – has for this crop of prospects, including forward Marcus Rashford, who burst onto the scene this season, scoring five goals in 11 Premier League appearances.
United’s failure to secure Champions League qualification helped to spell the end for Van Gaal at the club, with his cause not helped by the fact that his side were also accused of playing tediously slow football at times.
The Dutchman did, however, provide opportunities to several youngsters during his time at Old Trafford, and it will be intriguing to see the plans that Mourinho – who has a track record of favouring experienced players – has for this crop of prospects, including forward Marcus Rashford, who burst onto the scene this season, scoring five goals in 11 Premier League appearances.