The Guardian are among many of Tuesday’s newspapers reporting that Van Gaal offered to resign immediately following that defeat, their sixth of the league season.
Advertisement
They have won just two of their last ten league matches, but teh 64-year-old was unable to offer any explanation as to why United were playing so poorly.
A report on Monday in the Daily Mail claimed that United’s squad would prefer Ryan Giggs, the club’s former player who has spent his entire career with the club, as manager should Van Gaal indeed leave.
FC’s Paul Mariner says the only reason Louis van Gaal is still manager at Man United is due to his reputation.
United next face an FA Cup fourth-round trip to Derby County on Friday before a home match with Stoke City on February 2.
Reports in the Manchester Evening News on Tuesday also suggested his position as United manager would not come under review until the summer.
In the past, Van Gaal was more adamant about turning things around at the club and not worrying about his future, but this new statement is clearly a change in stance for the coach.
He said United fans were “right to boo” and that he was disappointed he could not fulfil their expectations.
On Sunday there were suggestions that former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has written to the United hierarchy underlining his suitability for the job, while outlining how he would turn around the club’s fortunes. “I don’t think we have entertained the fans, so they can be very angry”.
Van Gaal’s side were eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League and have failed to score a first-half goal in their past 11 home games.
Advertisement
Fans were left distraught after the performance on Saturday as the Old Trafford local jeered the Dutchman as he made his way down the tunnel.
