Manchester United: Ferguson gives green light to sack LVG and sign Jose Mourinho next season

Manchester United have decided to end their relationship with Louis van Gaal after the end of the season and appoint Jose Mourinho at the helm after Sir Alex Ferguson decided that the Dutchman has not done enough to warrant another year at the home of the 20-time Champions. The Red Devils progressed into the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win over West Ham in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup but the upper management believes a cup win is not enough given the competition they will have at hand next season.

The Mirror reports that Mourinho has been entrusted with the job to lead the Red Devils forward, especially with Pep Guardiola taking over at Manchester City next season, while Chelsea and Liverpool are likely to be rejuvenated after an underwhelming season. Arsenal, Tottenham and Leicester City are also likely to be there, making a top-four spot a major uncertainty for the upcoming season with the current management.

Mourinho has won three league titles with Chelsea and has all the credentials to lead United back at the top, something the fans have missed since Ferguson retired in 2013. The Red Devils are currently struggling to make the Champions League for the upcoming season, currently four points adrift of fourth placed City, who have progressed into the semi-finals in Europe and should they end up winning the competition, even a top-four spot will not earn the Red Devils a spot in Europe.

Van Gaal had initially been given some hope that he will be allowed to lead the side until the end of his contract after being asked to organise United's pre-season tour before the coming season. However, Mourinho, who has revealed that he wants to stay in England when he comes back into management, is currently the favourite to take over at Old Trafford.

United play Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, 16 April where a win will allow them to close the gap on Manchester City, who have a potentially difficult game coming up against Chelsea. Van Gaal will be hoping that his team replicate their performance against West Ham at Upton Park, which is likely to be enough to turn Villa, who are on their way to the Championship next season.