After months and months of speculation, it has finally happened. Louis van Gaal has been sacked and the ‘special one’ has been appointed to revive Manchester United’s fortunes. Ever since the Portuguese manager was sacked at Chelsea, reports have constantly linked him with Manchester United and the move has finally happened today.
The contract is for 3 years with the club confirming the announcement.
More than the results, fans have not been happy with the style of football under Louis van Gaal and it will be interesting to see how they react to the Portuguese manager’s usually circumspect approach. Louis van Gaal gave his own statement following the decision to sack him:
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“I am immensely proud to have helped United win the FA Cup for the 12th time in the club's history,” Van Gaal said. “I have been privileged during my management career to have won 20 trophies but winning the FA Cup, which is steeped in so much history, will always be one of the most special achievements of my career.”
“I hope that winning the FA Cup will give the club a platform to build upon next season to restore the success that this passionate set of fans desire.”
Van Gaal’s time at Manchester United was not all doom and gloom as many youngsters such as Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, and Timothy Fosu-Mensah had their breakthrough under the veteran Dutch manager. However, with United missing out on Champions League football, Van Gaal's reign was cut short.
Manchester United confirmed Jose Mourinho’s appointment on their official Twitter account:
Jose Mourinho speaking to the official Manchester United website said:
"To become Manchester United manager is a special honour in the game. It is a club known and admired throughout the world. There is a mystique and a romance about it which no other club can match.
"I have always felt an affinity with Old Trafford; it has hosted some important memories for me in my career and I have always enjoyed a rapport with the United fans. I’m looking forward to being their manager and enjoying their magnificent support in the coming years."
Ed Woodward spoke about his delight on Jose Mourinho’s appointment:
“José is quite simply the best manager in the game today. He has won trophies and inspired players in countries across Europe and, of course, he knows the Premier League very well, having won three titles here.
"I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome him to Manchester United. His track record of success is ideal to take the club forward."
So after just a few months of being sacked by Chelsea, the Special One joins rivals Manchester United. The reception will no doubt be one to look out for at Old Trafford but it is something the club had to do.
Jose Mourinho is a proven winner and the Old Trafford faithful will be hoping for the ‘special one’ to work his magic and make them title contenders once again.
