Report: Van Gaal received £5M severance package

Manchester United's need to put the final touches on a hefty severance package caused the lengthy delay in the announcement of Louis van Gaal's firing.

The Dutch tactician, 64, was officially fired Monday, though speculation was rampant that Van Gaal would be shown the door immediately following Saturday's FA Cup final triumph to make way for bombastic Portuguese bench boss Jose Mourinho.

Related: Van Gaal deserved better than to have FA Cup win marred by Mourinho talk

Reports throughout England claimed that official word would arrive around 8:00 a.m. EST on Monday, with United expected to hold a press conference to confirm that the much-maligned Van Gaal had indeed been fired.

That deadline came and went, and still, technically, Van Gaal remained in charge of the Red Devils for nearly eight more hours.

So what was the hold up?

James Ducker of The Telegraph reported that Van Gaal's severance package was being finalised, with the Dutchman expected to receive £5 million on his way out the door. Ducker claims Van Gaal, lambasted for implementing a dour brand of football and clashing consistently with the media, will pocket £400,000 alone as a result of Saturday's 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.

Matt Hughes of The Times relayed similar figures:

Despite the impressive financial details, there has been sympathy from many who are quick to point out the poor manner in which the club has handled the final days of Van Gaal's tenure - something not dissimilar to the way his predecessor, David Moyes, was pushed out the door.