For all the optimism around Louis van Gaal when he was appointed Manchester United manager, his reign has quickly begun to go the way of David Moyes.
And now it seems the similarities are set to continue, with the club reportedly preparing to part ways with the Dutchman as soon as Champions League qualification is impossible.
That’s what happened to Van Gaal’s predecessor, who was shown the exit after defeat to Everton in April 2014 left the club 13 points adrift of the top four with four matches remaining.
The Sunday Mirror report that supposed performance-related targets in the manager’s contract mean the club could let him go more cheaply if there is no Champions League football at Old Trafford in 2016/17.
United currently trail Premier League leaders Leicester City by 12 points, and are six adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City.
Van Gaal has 12 games left to make up the deficit – or secure an unlikely Europa League triumph – to guarantee a place in Europe’s premier competition next season.
However, if reports are to be believed, he will eventually make way for Jose Mourinho regardless of the outcome – it’s just a matter of when, not if.
