Louis van Gaal has been in hot water these past few months and it seems like Manchester United’s success in the FA Cup will not be enough to ensure that he stays at Old Trafford next season.
The Red Devils managed to see off West Ham United in their FA Cup quarter-final replay on Wednesday. Goals from Marcus Rashford and Marouane Fellaini helped them ease into the semi-finals with a 2-1 victory. They will face Everton next and the Red Devils will be strong contenders to go all the way and win the competition.
However, the FA Cup is the only piece of silverware Manchester United are in contention for this season. They were knocked out of both European competitions — at the group stage of the UEFA Champions League and then in the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League. Their Premier League campaign has also gone off track, as they lie in fifth position in the table after a humiliating 3-0 defeat against Tottenham last weekend.
The second season of Louis van Gaal’s rein at Old Trafford hasn’t gone well, and it looks like it could be his final one. Manchester United have opened up exit talks with the Dutchman, even as they prepare for Jose Mourinho to take over in the summer, according to the Mirror.
The report goes on to say that missing out on Champions League qualification, as well as the fact that next season is the final season in Van Gaal’s contract, has convinced the club officials that this summer is the best time for a change.
Mourinho gets dream move to Old Trafford
Jose Mourinho has long been linked with the Manchester United job. He was reportedly very eager to take over after Sir Alex Ferguson retired, but respected figures at the club did not believe he was the right man for the job. Their inhibitions have since decreased, with the club realizing that Mourinho is one of the best options available at present. The Portuguese manager has even allegedly signed a pre-contract agreement with Manchester United.
Louis van Gaal’s poor performance in his two seasons in charge, which have so far seen no trophies for the Red Devils, has added to the urgency of finding a more capable manager. The arrival of Pep Guardiola at cross-town rivals Manchester City has played its part too, and Manchester United are under pressure to bring in a manager who can get immediate results.
