Revealed: Van Gaal’s Pay Package and Why Manchester United May not be Getting Rid of Him

Fans of Manchester United, and indeed much of the football world still can’t quite come to terms with the fact that Louis van Gaal  continues to be boss at Old Trafford given his underwhelming time at the club.

United are currently fifth on the Premier League log and are outsiders for next season’s Champions League, and despite strong feelings of angst at the club and suggestions Jose Mourinho will take over, the Dutchman continues to hold sway.

According to details of the Dutchman’s bumper package revealed by The Times, the coach stands to make a £1.1million bonus if he makes a top four finish, while it will cost the Red Devils a whopping £5million if they are to sack him this summer.

Van Gaal reportedly earns £3.3million as his basic annual salary, with a series of bonuses that boost his wage to hefty £8 million. However the club is poised to incur more fiscal loses by severing ties with him. This could be the reason why CEO Ed Woodward has been reluctant to bin the 64-year-old coach.

Moreover, United would definitely pay an even more sizable wage to former Chelsea boss Mourinho should he take over in the summer, but to get rid of Van Gaal, they would have to pay 66 per cent of his overall pay pakage as severance pay, meaning he would be due £5million.

There is a further £1.6million in image rights on top of a £2million loyalty payment – along with a million for a top four finish, while he could pocket a £400,000 reward if United defeat Crystal Palace and win the FA Cup.

The two bonuses Van Gaal is likely never to win at Manchester United are for triumphs in the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, which would have earned £400,000 and £200,000 respectively.

The Red Devils will move to within one point of rivals Manchester City, who currently sit in fourth spot, if they win their game in hand over as they bid for a place on Europe’s top table.