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Despite cup win United have fallen short this season admits Rooney as Mourinho waits in wings

FA Cup likely not enough to save Louis van Gaal’s job

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Manchester United's Wayne Rooney celebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup with teammates Photo: Reuters

Wayne Rooney admitted Manchester United have fallen short of expectations despite winning the FA Cup as rumours swirled that Louis van Gaal is set to be replaced by Jose Mourinho.

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United manager van Gaal was in defiant mood on Saturday as he celebrated United’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace by parading the FA Cup in front of the media while refusing to discuss the growing possibility he will be sacked in the next few days.

Just minutes after the final whistle at Wembley signalled United’s first trophy in van Gaal’s two-year reign, reports emerged that former Chelsea boss Mourinho was on the verge of agreeing a deal to take charge at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal has endured months of speculation about his future during a troubled campaign which saw United fail to qualify for the Champions League amid fan unrest and talk of a dressing room mutiny against the former Barcelona boss.

Jose Mourinho seems set to take over. Photo: EPA
Jose Mourinho seems set to take over. Photo: EPA
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It appears the gritty victory over Palace, a success achieved with 10 men after Chris Smalling’s red card, won’t be enough to save Van Gaal and United captain Rooney conceded the manager and his players had underachieved this term.

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