Manchester United: Jose Mourinho waits to take over after Louis Van Gaal's sacking

Jose Mourinho is a step closer to being appointed the new Manchester United manager after Louis Van Gaal's turbulent reign was ended.

Van Gaal, 64, was sacked on Monday - just two days after winning the FA Cup.

The poor style of football, failure to qualify for the Champions League and reports of dressing room unrest contributed to his dismissal.

The Dutchman said he was "very disappointed" not to continue his "three-year plan".

Confirmation of Van Gaal's exit belatedly arrived at 8.30pm on Monday, apparently to give him time to leave the country after spending most of the day at the club's training ground negotiating his severance package.

Van Gaal lifts the FA Cup after what turned out to be his final game in charge. Credit: PA Wire
Mourinho pictured on Monday. Credit: PA Wire
The future of Ryan Giggs is now in doubt. Credit: PA Wire

Manchester United said they planned on announcing Van Gaal's successor "soon" with Jose Mourinho expected to be appointed this week.

His agent, Jorge Mendes, is said to be arriving in Manchester on Tuesday to discuss a deal for his client.

Mourinho has been linked with the job since he was sacked by Chelsea in December.

Mourinho's appointment will raise questions over the future of assistant manager Ryan Giggs, who has been with the club as a player and then a coach for 29 years.

Giggs has reportedly been offered a role that would keep him at United, although it is unclear what it entails.