Louis van Gaal has been sacked as manager of Manchester United, with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho set to be named as his replacement.

Van Gaal leaves after two years of a three-year contract, having discussed severance terms on Monday.

The former Netherlands boss, 64, is believed to earn around £6.4m a year.

Mourinho's appointment is expected to be confirmed after the 53-year-old Portuguese meets senior United officials on Tuesday.

Manchester United confirmed Van Gaal's departure at 20:30 BST, praising his "great professionalism and dignity throughout", while adding "a decision on a successor as manager will be announced soon".

In a separate club statement released at the same time, Van Gaal said he was "very disappointed" not to see out his "intended three-year plan".

United have made an offer to Ryan Giggs, Van Gaal's assistant, for him to stay at Old Trafford, but it is not known what role he would have and whether he would accept.

SOURCE: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36356584