Finally, the inevitable happened.
Manchester United sacked manager Louis van Gaal two days after he led the team to a consolation FA Cup win, following the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League. That was one of the few reasons why the Dutchman was shown the exit door, which ended his two-year rein at Old Trafford.
After taking over from David Moyes in 2014, Van Gaal got the 20-time EPL Champions into the Champions League last season but was unable to help the team finish in top four this time around.
LVG is tipped to be replaced by none other than Jose Mourinho. The self proclaimed 'Special One' has been linked to the club since December last year and now it’s just a matter of time that the former Chelsea man begins a new era at the Theatre of Dreams.
Mourinho has always been a controversial figure and his reputation has taken a hit since August, with the Eva Carneiro controversy.
There have been reports that Mourinho didn't replace Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 out of concern among the Old Trafford hierarchy about the Portuguese’s behaviour and how it might affect the club's image. Given Mourinho's history, it's certain that the United top men will tell him to control himself if and when he comes in as manager of the Red Devils.
What Mourinho could bring to Old Trafford
Big Names: One thing the former Chelsea boss always brings with him is big names. With around 250 million pounds as transfer budget, there's little doubt that United will be one of the most active clubs in summer transfers and Mourinho will be looking to build his own team. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is already tipped to be his first signing as the United boss and the deadly Jose-Ibra duo will surely give shivers to the opponents. According to reports he is also set to bring in a centre-back, central midfielder, right winger, right back and a striker.
Departures: Juan Mata's future has obviously been thrown into doubt after he was previously sold by the Special One during his time at Chelsea. The likes of Maroune Fellani, Phil Jones, Antonio Valencia and Adnan Janujaz also are in choppy waters; and they might be asked to leave given their form and injury record in last couple of months. The other big name that could be shown the exit door is Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Playing Style: The biggest concern for fans under LVG was the formation of play. LVG's philosophy never went down well with United faithfuls and they will be hoping Jose can change that. Known for 4-5-1, a defensive solidity with more of a physical game can be expected under Mourinho. But don't expect a free-flowing football which United fans were used to under Ferguson. But do expect entertainment on the field and on the sidelines and above all that he knows how to scrape out results.
Coaching Staff: Along with LVG, all of the coaching staff has been sacked and there are still question marks over assistant manager Ryan Giggs' future. If reports are to be believed, Jose won't appoint him as his assistant but will give him some another coaching role, which Giggs could very well decline. The likes of Rui Faria, Silvino Louro, Jose Morais and Carlos Lalin could be brought in as coaches by Mourinho.
Drama and more drama: Rest assured about this. Wherever Jose goes, drama follows. His history with Pep, Wenger and Claudio Ranieri is well documented, so expect sparks flying in press conferences and on match days. Plus, the gossip mills will love this.
Whether Mourinho and Manchester are a match made in heaven or not, only time will tell; but at the moment United fans and management should be excited as it doesn't get any bigger than this.
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