Louis van Gaal’s two-year reign at Manchester United has come to an end after the Dutchman lost the respect of the dressing-room with eccentric management that extended to brutal video dissection of players’ performances, critical emails to squad members and the imposition of ‘straitjacket’ football on the team.
Senior players have also grown exasperated by the ‘special treatment’ afforded to German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has made just four appearances since suffering a knee injury against Sheffield United in the FA Cup in January.
Van Gaal, who led United to the FA Cup glory with Saturday’s 2-1 Wembley victory against Crystal Palace, is set to be replaced by Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford after failing to secure Champions League qualification this season.