Louis Van Gaal: My head was in a noose at Manchester United but they still pay my wages

The Dutchman felt undermined by speculation that Manchester United were lining up Jose Mourinho to replace him as manager from the moment he was sacked by Chelsea last December.

The club never denied the link with Mourinho and Van Gaal was sacked hours after lifting the FA Cup in May which he says stands as the greatest achievement in his long managerial career, considering the "difficult" circumstances in which it was achieved.

Van Gaal said it was a tough task to inspire players when everyone was expecting him to lose his job.

"The last six months at United, the circumstances were so difficult," he said. "My head was in a noose for six months.

"That is why the trophy I won, the FA Cup, I consider the biggest trophy in my career. I was standing on the gangplank for the last six months. My head was in the guillotine – put there by the English media.

Louis Van Gaal felt Jose Mourinho's shadow casted over him during his last six months

"And then in those circumstances I was expected to stick to my vision and inspire the players.

"We went to the absolute climax of the FA Cup final, ending with 10 men and having to score to win in extra-time. Having gone through all that, and then walking away with the trophy, was incredible for me."

Van Gaal, 65, revealed he turned down an eye-watering £45m three-year contract to manage in China and says United will be his last job after 27 years in management when he won trophies four different countries – his native Holland, Spain, Germany and England.

He said: "I wanted to stop after the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 but then the opportunity [to manage United] in England came up. And that was a fantastic country that is now also on my CV.

"I've had lots of offers since [leaving United] including millions from China. They are prepared to pay a fortune. I could have gone but I have a lovely pay-off from Manchester United. They still pay my wages every month and that is a nice sum."

United finished fourth in Van Gaal's first season and fifth in his second campaign, meaning the club failed to qualify for the Champions League. That failure, along with an unexciting brand of football plus Mourinho's unexpected availability, meant Van Gaal's departure was inevitable, despite the FA Cup triumph.

As part of his severance with a season left on his £6m-a-year three-season contract, United will continue to pay Van Gaal's wages to the end of the current campaign.

Meanwhile, United have triggered the one-year option clause in Antonio Valencia's contract.

Valencia's three-year deal was due to expire this summer but it contained the option for a further 12 months which the club have activated early.

It follows United's decision to trigger one year options for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marouane Fellaini. They are also expected to offer Michael Carrick a one-year extension.

Ecuador international Valencia, 31, has been one of United's most consistent players this season when he has continued his successful transition from right winger to wing-back.

Mourinho revealed earlier this season that he had tried to buy Valencia – United's third longest serving player after Wayne Rooney and Carrick – when he was Real Madrid boss.

"I tried to sign Antonio a number of years ago, when I was at Madrid," he said. "Even though he was not playing right-back at the time, I thought he could be phenomenal in that position. As it was, United told me ‘no chance!'

"I am not surprised by his form this season. He has been clean of injuries, save for an operation on his arm which did not keep him out for long, and I have also been able to keep him fresh by resting him in certain Europa League games.

"I think he is the right-back to give us the maximum we can in terms of our attacking football."

Lyon admit they are struggling to meet United's £18m valuation of Memphis Depay. The French club have had a £13m bid for the Dutch winger rejected.