Van Gaal backed to replace Moyes as Giggs takes caretaker charge at Man Utd #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG

LOUIS VAN GAAL is the heavy favourite with bookmakers to be the next Manchester United manager after David Moyes was sacked.

Louis van Gaal is the leading contender to replace David Moyes as Manchester United manager[GETTY/PA]

United ruthlessly brought down the axe on Moyes' reign just ten months after handing him a six-year deal.

Moyes was given the news by vice-chairman Ed Woodward at 8am this morning, with his last game as boss the humiliating 2-0 defeat at former club Everton.

United confirmed the Scot had been sacked shortly afterwards on their official Twitter account.

Dutch coach Van Gaal is available after the World Cup [EMPICS]

"Manchester United has announced that David Moyes has left the club," the statement read.

"The club would like to place on record its thanks for the hard work, honesty and integrity he brought to the role."

United then added that club legend Ryan Giggs had been placed in caretaker charge "until a permanent appointment can be made".

Giggs has been placed in caretaker charge following Moyes' sacking [PA]

Neither Giggs, nor anyone else from the United squad, stopped to speak to the media who had gathered outside United's training ground today in anticipation of Moyes' sacking.

An Everton fan dressed up as the Grim Reaper mocked Moyes from behind the Goodison Park dugout on Sunday, offering an ironic foresight into what was set to happen.

With Moyes now shown the door, speculation has been rife regarding who will replace him at Old Trafford in the long-term.

Moyes' reign came to an end after less than a year [EMPICS]

Holland coach van Gaal is the clear favourite with bookmakers, after Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp appeared to pull out of the running.

Van Gaal is widely priced at 5/4 with leading bookies, with the former Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Ajax manager available after the World Cup.

And reports in Holland claim United met with the 62-year-old ten days ago about replacing Moyes.

Rooney and the rest of the squad refused to discuss the sacking [PA]

With Moyes now gone, the futures of members of United's coaching staff Steve Round, Jimmy Lumsden, Chris Woods and Phil Neville also remain unclear, although it is thought Neville has been kept on.

For the meantime, United hope Giggs can restore some passion and unity in a season which has been tainted by rumours of disharmony in the dressing room.