Under current manager Louis van Gaal, Manchester United have now endured their worst start through 26 games (the two-thirds mark) since the formation of the Premier League.
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Asked whether finishing in the top four is the minimum requirement for a United manager, Van Gaal said: “Yes. I have been “sacked” three times and now it is about negotiations starting with Mourinho”.
Louis van Gaal’s men have been struggling to find consistent form in the Premier League all season and have only won three of their last 10 top-flight games.
“It’s a good policy and I’m happy with Borthwick-Jackson and Jesse Lingard because of that policy they have had that chance”. “I have a relationship with [club vice-chairman] Ed [Woodward] and [owners] the Glazers, they shall tell me, I think”.
Yet José Mourinho’s availability and the fact that United are six points behind fourth-placed Manchester City means the Dutchman’s ability to remain in place until his contract ends in the summer of 2017 is in doubt.
Wayne Rooney criticised United after the match for failing to match Sunderland’s competitive edge and Van Gaal echoed his captain’s assessment, insisting his side should have done more to take control of proceedings.
“It will be very hard now because we give five points away so it’s too much at this time”, he added.
Van Gaal hopes midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger might be available for the return leg against Midtjylland on February 25. “That can not be. We didn’t keep the ball better today”.
With the top four in action against each other United could make up ground if they can defeat Sunderland in Saturday’s early fixture.
“I turned down an offer from Manchester United, as my desire is to stay here”. He has also confirmed that Manchester United hasn’t spoken to Mourinho.
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A win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday would certainly help matters, particularly as the top four are all playing on Sunday.
