The view from this end...How have Van Gaal's a quarter of a BILLION recruits fared - EPIC HIT or MISS?

So with the latest story of Louis Van Gaal's Manchester United sacking, we wonder what part his over a quarter of a billion recruits played in his fate.

The Red Devils failed to qualify for next season's Champions League despite splashing £250million on players since his arrival in May 2014. From Angel Di Maria to Sergio Romero, here is my verdict on players recruited by the Dutchman at the Old Trafford club.

Note that this verdict is MY opinion and mine alone, hence, it may not be acceptable to everybody. Feel free to share yours...

Ander Herrera - £29m

The diminutive Spaniard has made just 36 Premier League starts in 76 opportunities since his big-money move from La Liga side Athletic Bilbao.

Herrera has featured a further 36 times in all competitions, chipping in with 13 goals - across both seasons.

However, more was expected of Van Gaal's first signing given the amount United paid for his services and although he occasionally shows some flashes of his potential but it hasn't been enough.

Verdict: Miss

Luke Shaw - £27m

The ex-Southampton left-back who was courted by lots of other big clubs including Chelsea, has shown promise since his switch two summers ago.

However, his progress at Old Trafford has been interrupted by injuries, the most recent of which was an unfortunate horrific double leg break in the Champions League defeat at PSV back in September. That injury ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Unfortunately, as cold as my verdict may sound, its all about the business here and so far it has been a loss for the club.

Verdict: Miss

Marcos Rojo - £16m

The Argentine defender appeared just 26 times in all competitions during his debut season but managed another 32 appearances this term. Bottom line, he has not been good enough cover for what the club had in mind when a certain young Shaw was brought on board.

Verdict: Miss

Angel Di Maria - £59.7m

There was great expectation for the midfielder following his mega-money move from then Champions League holders,  Real Madrid.

However, the Argentine till date has proven the most expensive flop in the club's history and indeed the premier league. Despite great anticipation ahead or his move, he made just 20 Premier League starts for the Red Devils.

United decided to offload him to PSG after just 12 months at the club, taking a £15m loss in the process.

Verdict: Miss

Daley Blind - £13.8m

The Dutchman has been one of the few success stories since following his compatriot to England despite playing in unfamiliar positions at times.

As evidence to that, the hard worker has racked up 60 Premier League starts during his two seasons at the club and also played another 25 times in cup competitions.

At £13.8million, Blind has offered enough for his fee and more.

Verdict: Hit

Radamel Falcao - £6m

The Colombian striker who seems to have played the best of his career was brought in on a 1-year loan deal from Monaco for a fee reported to be in the region of £6m and a weekly wage of about £285,000 a week plus various bonuses.  He managed 4 goals in 26 appearances before somehow signing the next season for Chelsea on another big money loan deal.

Verdict: Miss

Victor Valdes - Free

The Spanish keeper was brought in to provide cover between the sticks.

While he would have been the perfect cover for De Gea, the Spaniard made just one start for United, and one more appearance off the bench. Perhaps, his verdict would have been different had he not been at a loggerheads with Van Gaal and got relegated to the academy team.

Verdict: Miss

Memphis Depay - £25m

There was so much expected of the flying Dutchman following his arrival 12 months ago. So much so that some dubed him the new Cristiano Ronaldo. He made sure to back that up with his seemingly lavish and flamboyant style. 

He has been such a big disappointment this season and was axed from the squad for Saturday's FA Cup triumph against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Depay has commanded just 16 Premier League starts, scoring twice.

Verdict: Miss

Matteo Darmian - £12.7m

The defender has had a mixed debut season at Old Trafford.

His progress has been disrupted by injury and when given the opportunity, he has proven a good buy...most of the time.

Verdict: Miss

Bastian Schweinsteiger - £14.4m

The signing of the German World Cup winner from Bayern Munich was seen as a big coup for the Red Devils.

However, he failed to live up to his billing and it's feared his best years are now beyond him.

Injuries restricted him to just 13 Premier League starts this term.

Verdict: Hit

Morgan Schneiderlin - £25m

United paid a hefty fee for the Southampton midfielder last summer and he went on to play 44 times in his first campaign with the club.

However, he started just 25 times for the Red Devils in the Premier League, and at £25m, he should have nailed down a spot in the engine room.

Verdict: Miss

Sergio Romero - Free

The Argentine has been forced to play second fiddle to David De Gea this season, but has proved an able deputy when called upon.

Ex-Sampdoria shot-stopper Romero has played 10 times in all competitions.

Verdict: Hit

Anthony Martial - £36m

The French forward has been the best signing of Van Gaal's tenure.

Eyebrows were raised when United splashed out such a big fee up front for the Monaco teenager.

However, Martial has managed 17 goals for the Red Devils this season, despite playing most of his time on the left wing.

Verdict: Hit