Manchester United have sacked Louis van Gaal as manager, after two years in charge, and are expected to replace him with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
The former Netherlands manager was informed that his contract would be terminated a year early, after arriving at the club's training ground in Carrington. United later confirmed the news in a statement, more than three hours after Van Gaal had left their base.
Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said: "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."
Speculation has long persisted that Van Gaal will be replaced, with United having missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification during a season in which their style of football has faced heavy criticism.
Van Gaal was appointed on a three-year deal to succeed David Moyes in 2014 but failed to deliver consistent results despite significant investment in the playing squad, and he lifted his only piece of silverware on Saturday as United beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
The Dutchman said in a statement: "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 am immensely proud to have helped United win the FA Cup for the 12th time in the club's history. 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.
"I would also like to express my gratitude to the amazing United supporters. They are truly the best fans in the world."
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is expected to be named as his replacement this week.
The Dutchman arrived on the back of guiding his country to a third-placed finish in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and with a glittering CV, having won league titles in the Netherlands, Spain and Germany, but he fell well short of winning the English Premier League.
Having spent upwards of $280 million on the likes of Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera shortly after taking the job, the tone was set in his first Premier League game in charge, a 2-1 defeat at home to Swansea City.
