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Manchester United are holding their Player of the Year awards earlier than usual in another move that could hint at Louis van Gaal 's likely summer departure.

Old Trafford will host the annual end of season do on Monday May 2 - even though United have four games left to play this campaign.

Since the inaugural awards dinner in 2006, United have held the event seven times after the penultimate game of the Premier League season and three times following the last league game.

At last season's bash, Van Gaal brought the house down with a hilarious speech that increased his popularity among United fans, despite presiding over one win in the last five games, on a night he cheerfully slapped assistant Ryan Giggs for out-bidding him during an auction.

United had already sealed a Champions League qualifying berth, whereas this year they are in danger of finishing outside the top four. The Dutchman will have league games against Norwich, West Ham and Bournemouth, as well as the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, to prepare for before he can let his hair down.

It is understood Jose Mourinho has agreed a deal to replace Van Gaal as United manager, although he is yet to sign a contract with United.

United have already put back the renewal date for season ticket holders amid the likelihood Mourinho will take over as manager in the summer.

In the last three campaigns, United's awards were staged following their penultimate Premier League fixture, ahead of final day matches at Hull, Southampton and West Brom.

United's annual do in 2012 came a day after the traumatic final day of the Premier League campaign, when Sergio Aguero's belated winner clinched the title for City, leaving United players crestfallen on the pitch at Sunderland.

The season before that, the awards came following the penultimate Premier League game - when United drew 1-1 at Blackburn to seal an unprecedented 19th championship. Likewise in 2010 and 2009, the black tie reception fell ahead of the last league game of the term.

United players were in a jubilant mood at the 2008 dinner, which was held just hours after they won the Premier League title on the last day at Wigan. The event was also arranged after the last league game in 2007 and after the second from last domestic game in 2006.

Watch United fans celebrate after the final whistle