Manchester United have confirmed they have sacked their manager Louis van Gaal.

"Louis van Gaal is to leave Manchester United, with immediate effect," United said in a statement.

"A decision on a successor as manager will be announced soon" it added.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward paid tribute to Van Gaal.

"I would like to thank Louis and his staff for their excellent work in the past two years culminating in winning a record equalling 12th FA Cup for the Club (and securing him a title in four different countries)," he said.

"He has behaved with great professionalism and dignity throughout his time here.
"He leaves us with a legacy of having given several young players the confidence to show their ability on the highest stage. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best in the future."

I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success.- Van Gaal

Van Gaal said on the United website (www.manutd.com) that he was very disappointed to be unable to complete his three-year plan.

"I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success."

The Dutchman, 64, led United to victory in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on Saturday. They finished fifth in the Premier League, missing out on a place in next season's Champions League.

Van Gaal signed a three-year contract to take over as manager of the Old Trafford club in 2014.

Former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will be named as United's next manager this week, British media have reported.