Manchester United have this evening, finally, put everyone out of their misery by confirming the sacking of manager Louis van Gaal.
The Dutchman's head was placed in the guillotine after he steered the club to its 12th FA Cup success last Saturday and executive vice chairman Ed Woodward finally let the blade drop today.
In a statement released tonight, Woodward expressed his gratitude to the now ex-gaffer.
"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."
The former Bayern Munich and Barcelona boss released a statement of his own at the same time.
"It has been an honour to manage such a magnificent club as Manchester United FC, and in doing so, I have fulfilled a long-held ambition.
"I have been privileged during my management career to have won 20 trophies but winning the FA Cup, which is steeped in so much history, will always be one of the most special achievements of my career.
"I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three-year plan. I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success."
The club say that a decison on van Gaal's successor will be announced soon but Jose Mourinho refused to confirm if was him when he was doorstepped earlier
