FEW tears will have been shed when Louis van Gaal left Carrington for the final time, but in years to come Manchester United fans may well be thankful for his uncomfortable two-year residency.
There have certainly been more troughs than peaks since the 64-year-old pitched up at Old Trafford in the summer of 2014, buoyed by Holland's run to the World Cup semi-finals and a bulging CV.
Upon his unveiling, two months after his appointment was confirmed, Van Gaal pledged to give his utmost to what he called the world's biggest club - quite a statement from a man who has been at the helm of Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Ajax.
The Dutchman clearly relished the expectation that coaching England's most successful club brought, yet he leaves having failed to scale the heights required.
Saturday's FA Cup glory was a fine send-off but felt more like an individual triumph for under-fire Van Gaal, who, with celebrations still in full flow, said he had nothing to prove considering he has now won a trophy in every country he has managed.
While the extra-time victory against Crystal Palace did provide the first major trophy of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, it came too late for the Dutchman having failed to win over supporters and secure Champions League qualification.
Tired, prosaic football has taken its toll on a fan base used to a swashbuckling style, with peculiar tactical decisions causing consternation inside and outside the dressing room.
United netted a meagre 49 league goals this season - the club's worst return for 26 years - and finished fifth in the standings, having wasted the chance to usurp neighbours Manchester City and sneak into the top-four.
That was the bare minimum for Van Gaal and a feat he had achieved after succeeding David Moyes, albeit they then failed to make it out of the group before exiting to Liverpool in the Europa League.
It was one of numerous blows the Dutchman somehow recovered from, but when his post-season address to supporters was booed last week he must have begun to realise his days were numbered.
Those who jeered may in time reflect on this period with positivity, thanks to Van Gaal's - perhaps forced - focus on youth.
Academy graduates Marcus Rashford, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Timothy Fosu-Mensah have proven themselves capable in the first-team, joining an elite list of players to have been given their first chance under the Dutchman.
Thomas Muller, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Patrick Kluivert became world stars having been given a chance by Van Gaal, whose guidance this term has seen the likes of Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial impress.
Then there is the way Wayne Rooney has recently flourished in a deeper role and United's firmed-up backline, but that cannot overshadow the underwhelming style and substance displayed most weeks.
An important transitory point in the club's post-Ferguson era this may be, but there was little doubt that a change was required once Van Gaal began speaking about unrealistic ambitions.
The top-four is a bare minimum and you would not bet against his equally outspoken successor quickly reviving United's ailing fortunes.
Fresh reports that he was to be replaced by Mourinho emanated before the celebrations had even subsided at Wembley, with speculation fuelled the following day when he told a reporter outside the team hotel that "it's over".
Van Gaal said "you will have to wait and see" when asked by another journalist whether he would still be in charge next season - something United confirmed would not be the case in a statement at 8.30pm on Monday.
The outgoing manager released a 415-word statement expressing his immense pride to have managed the club, calling the FA Cup win one of the most special achievements in his career.
"I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended three-year plan," Van Gaal said. "I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success.
"I hope that winning the FA Cup will give the club a platform to build upon next season to restore the success that this passionate set of fans desire.
"Having managed in Holland, Spain and Germany, I had always hoped for the opportunity to manage in English football and be part of English culture. Both of these experiences have lived up to expectations and been fantastic.
"I thank my players and wish them well for next season. It has been a pleasure to work with them and it has been particularly rewarding to see so many young players take their chance to break into the first team and excel. I look forward to watching the continued development of these young players next season.
"Thank you to the owners and board of Manchester United for giving me the opportunity to manage this great club.
"I would also like to express my gratitude to the amazing United supporters. They are truly the best fans in the world.
"I am indebted to my support and coaching staff, who have given me their all during their time at the club.
"I am deeply grateful to each and every member of the club's staff - the sports science team, the medical team, the kit and laundry department, club administration, the press office, the manager's team, the Academy team, ground staff and the catering team, both at Old Trafford stadium and Carrington training ground, all of whom have given me their unwavering support in my time at United. Never in my 25 years as a manager have I been so well supported in my role.
"Finally, my special thanks go to Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton for always making me and my family feel so welcome throughout my time as Manchester United manager."
