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Louis van Gaal: Manchester United manager says 'it's over' ahead of Jose Mourinho's expected arrival

It is expected that Van Gaal's exit from Old Trafford will be confirmed after a meeting with the club's owners on Monday

Mark Critchley
Sunday 22 May 2016 12:16 BST
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Van Gaal is expected to lose his job just two days after winning the FA Cup
Van Gaal is expected to lose his job just two days after winning the FA Cup (Getty)

Manchester United have denied that Louis van Gaal was referring to his reign as the club's manager when he told a reporter 'it's over' on Sunday.

It is understood that Van Gaal will be officially dismissed from his role on Monday, two days after leading his side to FA Cup glory.

Jose Mourinho, the former Chelsea manager, is expected to take charge at Old Trafford on a three-year deal once Van Gaal’s departure is confirmed by the club.

When approached for comment by Sky Sports News as he left his team’s hotel in central London on Sunday morning, Van Gaal said: “No, no. It's over.”

The words were taken as the first indication from Van Gaal that his time at Old Trafford is all but over but United have moved quickly to deny this interpretation, claiming that the Dutchman was referring to the end of the season.

Van Gaal was not willing to discuss his future after Saturday’s FA Cup victory, which was sealed by an extra-time winner from Jesse Lingard.

“I show you the cup,” Van Gaal said in his post-match press conference, when questioned on his future. “I don't discuss it with my friends in the media who have sacked me in the past six months.

“You had followed the board? I don't want to talk about leaving the club.

“I'm very proud to be the first after Sir Alex Ferguson to win a trophy for Manchester United. I have made a photograph with him because that is history.

FA Cup Final - Manchester United beat Crystal Palace in extra time

"It is fantastic to win this title for the club, for the fans, and also for me because I now have won the cup in four countries, and not many managers have done that.”

Van Gaal will meet Joel, Bryan and Avram Glazer, the club’s owners, and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward in London on Monday to finalise his departure from United.

It is understood that the former Ajax, Bayern Munich and Barcelona coach could yet be handed an ambassadorial role by the club.

The appointment of Mourinho, who has been out of management since being sacked by Chelsea last December, is expected to be confirmed at some point this week.

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