Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand claims that even though Louis van Gaal failed to achieve the desired level of success at the club, he deserves praise for promoting youth talent.

On Monday, United announced that they have parted ways with the Dutchman with Jose Mourinho expected to take charge of the club later in the week.

Former defender Ferdinand believes that while van Gaal did not reach the heights expected of him at Old Trafford, he did continue to nurture talented youngsters as is the norm at United.

Ferdinand wrote on his Facebook page: "After few hours to let the dust settle.. I thought I would write a few words on Louis Van Gaal.

"His unwavering belief in his methods is something to respect in many ways but it was also part of his undoing too.

"Success (winning the league or CL) is what Manchester United demands & added to that an attacking, quick, aggressive & imaginative style of football.

"Unfortunately LVG failed to bring either of those elements to the club.

"He is huge personality who won an FA cup, keeping up his habit of winning trophies everywhere he has been but his #‎MUFC legacy will be the introduction of the players from the academy like Rashford, Lingard, Fosu-Mensah etc which WAS in keeping with the history of the club - giving kids an opportunity to play."