Originally Posted by ags_rule:
“He wasn't the right man for the job in the end but the way this was done was very disrespectful. As a person he deserved better as I genuinely believe he did what he thought was right for the club and constantly worked hard for us.
Thanks for the memories and enjoy the retirement. We'll try remember the good moments!”
I think you are being very harsh. Man Utd played an absolute blinder here and Woodwards Knighthood should be just around the corner.
Van Gaal knew the score, he knew he was on the way out for ages as things slipped away in the league. Just because the media broke the story after the cup final doesn't mean that was Van Gaal suddenly being taken by the surprise by the news. Look at the statement he released, he was treated brilliantly and had the support of the board when many though he would be sacked. United and Woodward gave him every possible opportunity to turn things round when many other clubs would have knee jerked and sacked him. That is to Man Utd's immense credit in my opinion.
At the same time as legitimately giving Van Gaal every chance to succeed they simultaneously sounded out Mourinho who was first approached at Christmas. Woodward somehow obviously got Mourinho to agree to not take another job in the meantime while still being being behind Van Gaal. To me that is remarkable in todays climate. Van Gaal obviously knew the writing was on the wall but United kept silent and let him get on with it.
Van Gaal got to remain in post and leave as a trophy winner with a large pay out with the thanks of the club. Mourinho gets the job he wanted from day one and probably should have had after Ferguson. He has a full summer to settle in, get his backroom staff sorted and bring in new players*. Im not sure how this could have worked out any better for all concerned.
*Stories suggest that it was after consultation with Mourinho that United didn't bid for the Sanches guy who went to Bayern.