The moment finally arrived. Silverware for Manchester United — the first in three seasons since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.

With a forgetful season under David Moyes, and two uninspiring years under manager Louis van Gaal, the FA Cup victory at Wembley on Sunday was one to cherish. Not only was it Man United’s first FA Cup since 2004, it was the first for skipper Wayne Rooney, the only domestic title to have eluded the England forward.

However, celebrations were overshadowed by increasing speculation of Jose Mourinho being poised to take over the reigns at Old Trafford, amid rumours that the victory won’t be enough to save van Gaal’s job. According to reports in the British media, the Dutchman left the team hotel in London on Sunday, telling reporters “It’s over.” The club, however, stated that he was referring to the season.

Fans being disillusioned by van Gaal’s “boring” style of football, as well as heavy criticism pouring in from former players and analysts, have only fuelled rumours that a managerial change is imminent.

Van Gaal’s constant dismissal of reports by insisting that he “will be in charge” next season wasn’t enough to cool down talk. Incidentally, it was the FA Cup victory in 1990, against the same opposition as Saturday — Crystal Palace — that saved Sir Alex’s job, and paved the way for United’s dominance in English football.

The bigger question, however, is — in which direction does this take Man United?

‘The Special One’ Given Mourinho’s track record of producing results, fans’ hopes for silverware to return to Old Trafford’s trophy cabinet will rise. The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ will make United contenders for the league title again, without doubt, and we could probably see fresh faces in the team come August. With cash at his disposal, Mourinho will use waste no time in overhauling the squad. What will add to the excitement is the resumption of his duel with Pep Guardiola, who has been appointed manager of Manchester City, given their long-standing feud since their days in La Liga.

The Manchester Derby could be higher on tempo from next season, something that will make fans across the world enthusiastic. Mourinho may not find it an easy ride, though. Club legends Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex, the two most influential figures in the club hierarchy, aren’t the biggest fans of his style of play. Neither are they enthused by his aversion to promote youth players, a philosophy integral to United.

While Moyes and van Gaal enjoyed the constant backing of the club legends during tough times, Mourinho may find the support hard to come by. Any slip-up in form is likely to make him an easy scapegoat.

Above all, Mourinho’s ‘Third Season Syndrome’ remains the larger worry. Given his history at Chelsea and Real Madrid, Mourinho remains a short-term option, as he is known not to last more than three years in any club, with the dressing room getting divided and a fallout with club officials being somewhat of a regular occurrence. Picking a manager who’s not likely to hang around for long, and restarting the selection process a couple of seasons later, may not be the wisest decision for the club now.

Other contenders? Some in the football circles insist that Man United should turn its attention to Mauricio Pochettino, manager of Tottenham Hotspur, or PSG’s outgoing manager Laurent Blanc, a former United player himself. Though Pochettino led Spurs to a title challenge this season, he has just signed a new five-year deal at White Hart Lane, and Blanc doesn’t boast the CV that Mourinho does.

While there has been widespread support for the club’s prodigal son, Ryan Giggs, his lack of experience at the top level could work against him.

Even as British media reports suggest United could make an official announcement regarding Mourinho early this week, celebrations continue at Old Trafford; Man United has won a record-equalling FA Cup, and a disappointing season has ended on a high. But could that be the final hurrah for van Gaal?

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