Business as usual for Louis van Gaal as speculation builds

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is widely tipped to succeed Van Gaal should the Manchester United board opt for a change, with some newspapers in the UK reporting that talks are already underway.

The England global became the latest United player to speak about the atmosphere at the club, after goalkeeper David de Gea dismissed reports of dressing room unrest.

And, if that’s not enough to make them think carefully, what would the fans think of Mourinho being rushed in when Pep Guardiola, the god of both substance and style, is notionally available?

Cameron Jerome and Alex Tettey sealed a first win at the Theatre of Dreams for 26 years to stun Louis van Gaal’s expensively-assembled squad, who could only muster a second half reply from £36m striker Anthony Martial.

Could Jose Mourinho end up winning this season’s Premier League after all, by taking over from his old mate Louis van Gaal at Manchester United?

A total of 88.24 per cent of United fans voted for him to go now and be replaced by Mourinho, with just 11.76 arguing he should see out the remainder of his contract.

Reading the following statement, from then Bayern Munich chairman Uli Hoeness, Manchester United fans may notice a striking similarity with their current predicament at Old Trafford.

With their season spiralling out control following a third straight defeat against Norwich City on 19 December, United and their manager now find themselves under unprecedented pressure, having dropped out of the top four.

“The manager is doing all he can and is doing a terrific job”.

Ferguson and director Sir Bobby Charlton were known to have doubts about Mourinho, but they will have only a minor say in who succeeds Van Gaal should he be axed.

The Portuguese was shown the door following the Blues’ dismal start to the season, which saw them lose nine of their opening 16 Premier League games, leaving them just a point above the bottom three. If we get beat then all of a sudden we are the worst team ever and if we win a game it can get a bit euphoric.

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Matches at Stoke City on Boxing Day and at home against Chelsea two days later could be pivotal to Van Gaal’s future.