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Louis van Gaal to make Old Trafford return for Carrick testimonial - sources

Louis van Gaal is set to return to Old Trafford for the first time since he was sacked as Manchester United manager, sources have told ESPN FC.

The Dutchman was axed last summer, two years into a three-year deal he signed to replace David Moyes in 2014.

He has split his time between the Netherlands and Portugal since his departure.

But the 65-year-old is scheduled to attend Michael Carrick's testimonial on Sunday in what would be his first trip back to the club since he was replaced with Jose Mourinho.

Van Gaal guided United to fourth and fifth-placed finishes in his two seasons, as well as lifting the FA Cup at Wembley in his final game in charge.

He was in Stockholm last week as United won the Europa League against another of his former clubs, Ajax, to secure their place in next season's Champions League.

Mourinho's team at the Friends Arena included three players signed by Van Gaal -- Sergio Romero, Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian. Another, Anthony Martial, came on as a late substitute.

Carrick's testimonial will feature United's 2008 Champions League winners, managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, against Carrick's all-star XI, managed by Harry Redknapp.

Only one of Van Gaal's backroom staff appointments has remained at Old Trafford. Goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek, assistant Albert Stuivenberg and performance analyst Max Reckers all left with Van Gaal.

Hoek is goalkeeping coach at Galatasaray while Stuivenberg is manager of Belgian side Genk.

Only Marcel Bout, who arrived as Van Gaal's opposition scout, is still at the club, working as head of global scouting since the summer.