Louis van Gaal has been sacked as manager of Manchester United, according to reports, ending months of speculation about his fate and sending chatter about his possible replacement Jose Mourinho into overdrive. 

Manchester United are expected to make a statement shortly, but BBC, the PA and other UK media outlets have all confirmed the news. 

The Dutch coach parts ways with the club two years into a three-year contract, having joined the club in 2014. 

Van Gaal led the Red Devils to the FA Cup just last Saturday, but poor performances in the Premier League, where United finished fifth, had soured his relationship with the fans and media. 

He had led the team to a fourth place finish in his first season in charge and was subsequently eliminated from this year's Champions League at the group stages. 

Jose Mourinho, 53, is the man hotly tipped to replace him. Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea last December, less than a year after he had led them to the Premiership crown. 

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