Jose Mourinho: Louis van Gaal feels 'betrayed' as new Manchester United boss starts Old Trafford revolution
The Dutchman is recovering from his Old Trafford depature with his wife in Portugal as Mourinho starts work
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Deposed Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal reportedly feels “betrayed” by former protégé José Mourinho after the Portuguese finally succeeded him at Old Trafford last week.
The pair worked together at Barcelona in the late nineties, before Mourinho embarked on a managerial career which has enabled him to lift domestic titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.
A report by the Sun on Sunday claims Van Gaal and Mourinho were in regular contact by text message until the latter was sacked by Chelsea before Christmas, raising suspicions that the former Real Madrid manager had targeted his job.
Van Gaal is recuperating from a tumultuous two-year spell at United, one which saw the Dutchman come under scrutiny for his possession-based brand of football.
Despite lifting the FA Cup in his final action at Old Trafford, defeating Crystal Palace last weekend, executive chairman Ed Woodward confirmed months of speculation by appointing Mourinho has his successor within days.
A source close to Van Gaal reportedly said: “Louis feels betrayed by how José took over and how he was sacked. He didn’t believe he would be axed after the FA Cup win and now realises what happened since December with Mourinho.
“Louis feels stabbed in the back by José... and by the club. He had heard everything during the season but the fact remained he was still manager and then won the prize of the FA Cup.
“Maybe his own personality meant he didn’t believe it, yet at Wembley he still didn’t have any official word about his future.
“It was only when he got a text from United boss Ed Woodward on Sunday afternoon, asking for talks as the United train was approaching Stockport, that he knew it was over.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments