Jose Mourinho

After leaving football fans and soccer buffs wondering for over 10 hours whether news of Louis van Gaal’s departure from Old Trafford was a hoax, the club finally confirmed the story.

Executive vice-Chairman Ed Woodward in a short statement said Van Gaal was leaving  Manchester United, with immediate effect.

Woodward also kept fans in suspense as to the successor of the Dutch. He said “a decision on a successor as manager will be announced soon.” Former Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho is widely expected to take charge of the team, but Woodward confirmed nothing.

“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 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,” Woodward said in the statement published on the club’s website