Louis van Gaal should leave Manchester United after FA Cup final, says Anthony Crolla

Anthony Crolla feels the time has come for Louis van Gaal to vacate the manager's position at Manchester United.

The Dutchman has struggled to kick on during his second season in the Old Trafford hot-seat, with United's campaign riddled with indifferent performances and inconsistency.

As such, the success of the Reds' season looks set to hinge of their FA Cup final against Crystal Palace after hopes of finishing in the top four were dashed in Tuesday's defeat at West Ham.

WBA Lightweight champion, and United season ticket holder, Crolla feels the Wembley showpiece presents Van Gaal with the perfect opportunity to leave United with dignity - and he has urged him to take it.

"It has to be the end of Van Gaal after the FA Cup final," he told Sky Sports. "I've backed him a lot, longer than most people but most people want a change.

"He is a legend of the game but you don't want to see people wanting him out or booing him out. So winning the FA Cup and bringing in some silverware is a nice way for him to go.

WBA lightweight champion and Manchester United season ticket holder Anthony Crolla gives his thoughts on a tough season for the club WBA lightweight champion and Manchester United season ticket holder Anthony Crolla gives his thoughts on a tough season for the club

"It will be perfect for him to go out with an FA Cup final win. I just don't want him to stay on if we scrap into the top four, win the FA Cup and then next season be another frustrating season again.

"I'm not a football manager but a lot of the fans on the terraces are questioning his decisions, we want a manager that we can put 100 per cent faith in."

It has to be the end of Van Gaal after the FA Cup. I’ve backed him a lot, longer than most people but most people want a change. WBA Lightweight champion Anthony Crolla

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who has revealed he will be returning to the dug-out in July, has been hotly touted to replace Van Gaal at Old Trafford.

Crolla however, while open to the idea of Mourinho, admitted would like to see Atletico Madrid's charismatic manager Diego Simeone swap the Vicente Calderon for United, although he acknowledged such a move would be unlikely.

"If I can have anyone in the world I would have Diego Simeone," he added. "I like the passion he shows and he's got that Atletico Madrid team playing fantastic football. However, he's obviously not going to come.

"The most likely one is Mourinho, he has been spoken about for long enough. Whether it's likely to happen we're yet to see. You hear it's a done deal but whether it is or not I don't know."