Jose Mourinho sacking: 'It was a big surprise to me', says Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal

'He is a fantastic manager with a record that nobody has in this football world'

Cruyff has criticised the two managers (Getty Images)

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal expressed his "surprise" after learning that Jose Mourinho had been sacked by Chelsea.

The Dutchman, who worked with Mourinho at Barcelona, called Mourinho a "fantastic manager".

Mourinho was sacked on Thursday afternoon with Chelsea just a point above the relegation zone after 16 matches this season.

"What can I say? It was a big surprise to me, I didn't expect that," he said at his press conference.

"He is a fantastic manager with a record that nobody has in this football world, but it is still possible.

"What I said in my own press conference is that the main thing is always, of course, first the results and second the chemistry between the players and the manager and staff.

"I cannot judge what was happening at Chelsea, but I was very surprised."

Van Gaal's own position is under scrutiny, with United having gone five games in all competitions without a win.

When asked if the fact Mourinho had been axed so soon after guiding Chelsea to the Premier League title showed that no manager was safe, Van Gaal said: "Yes, it is like that. But we know that in advance. Also Jose knows that. This is the world."

Mourinho has been made the bookies' favourite to be the next United manager.

Additional reportinf grom PA