The Dutchman said he was "very disappointed" not to continue his "intended three-year plan" after he was dismissed on Monday.

Van Gaal's possession-based style of play - this season's 49 goals is their lowest ever Premier League total - is the main reason for his departure.

Ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is expected to be named manager this week.

BBC Sport reported on Saturday that United's FA Cup win over Crystal Palace would be Van Gaal's last game as boss.

"I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success," said the Dutchman, 64.

In a statement confirming Van Gaal's sacking at 20:30 BST on Monday, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward praised Van Gaal's "great professionalism and dignity" and thanked him for his "excellent work".

The club added that a "decision on a successor as manager will be announced soon", with Mourinho, 53, and his agent Jorge Mendes expected to be in Manchester for talks with senior United officials on Tuesday.

Assistant coaches Max Reckers, Frans Hoek and Albert Stuivenberg have also left, while the club have made assistant manager and club legend Ryan Giggs an offer to stay.

It is not yet known what role that would be and Giggs is considering the offer.

Van Gaal gave debuts to 14 academy graduates, including midfielder Jesse Lingard, who scored the winner in Saturday's FA Cup final, and striker Marcus Rashford, who has netted eight goals since making his debut in February, earning a call-up to the England squad.

"He leaves us with a legacy of having given several young players the confidence to show their ability on the highest stage," added Woodward.

Former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Van Gaal has spent over £250m in his time at Old Trafford, achieving a fourth-place and fifth-place finish in the Premier League in his two seasons in charge. They missed out on Champions League qualification to neighbours Manchester City.

Former Dutch player, Ronald de Boer, who played under Van Gaal at Ajax and Barcelona, told BBC Radio 5 live: "He should retire and enjoy his life. He does not have anything to prove to the football world as he has an unbelievable number of trophies and has respect from a lot of players and managers."

Manchester United Supporters' Trust chairman Ian Stirling described the style of football under Van Gaal as "the worst I have seen in my time", describing it as a "game of chess".

He said that supporters want "someone in charge who respects what the club is about" but expressed concern that Mourinho "plays a similar style to Van Gaal".

However, former Chelsea winger and BBC pundit Pat Nevin said Mourinho was "willing to change things and adapt". He added: "Nobody but nobody in world football brings in the trophies like Jose Mourinho."

And former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said Mourinho "really could save" United, calling the decision "long overdue" after the club "moved a little bit backwards in terms of its philosophy and traditions".

(BBC)