They are still 10 points behind Premier League leaders Leicester but Van Gaal claims the gap is not insurmountable.
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The Dutchman, already frustrated at watching his side concede an injury time equaliser against Chelsea, lost his cool after being asked about the club’s interest in Mourinho.
United’s refusal to dismiss reports that they have held talks with Mourinho over succeeding Van Gaal appeared to confirm that the wheels are in motion for the Portuguese tactician to take over at Old Trafford, but the current United boss is ignoring the speculation.
Louis van Gaal was left fuming after Manchester United’s top four hopes suffered a major setback.
“The organisation of the team is 100 times better than last season and tactically things are in a better shape. But you have to control the game better and we did not do that”, he told reporters.
“They like to see also what we like to see – more goals, they like to see also more play in the box”, he said. Look at your wife, or maybe you have children, or a nephew or something like that.
“We are unbeaten (since my appointment), but as I said before, if you want to get into fourth place, you must have victories. You have not spoken to Ed Woodward, nor with the Glazers”, Van Gaal said.
“I have to say that you are getting the sack tomorrow”. For the third time in a row, it was sparkling.
“No, I am not enjoying it. I can have my family, I can have my friends, I can have my quiet life, which I also like, and I can have my football. When you play such a game against a team like Chelsea, you have to reward yourself”.
“Mathematically it might be possible, but we must start winning again”.
The 64-year-old is expected to step down as the Manchester United manager in the summer and the Red Devils’ hierarchy are focussed on hiring Mourinho after missing out on Pep Guardiola.
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If that felt like pantomime outrage, his real anger was directed towards the referee, Michael Oliver, for blowing for half-time and full time as United were threatening to counterattack upfield. “They made a lovely goal – without good marking from our side – but after I think the team reacted very well”.
