Manchester United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward is prepared to back under-fire manager Louis van Gaal amid the club’s recent struggles, according to reports from the Mirror.
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“I’m very disappointed that I can not reach the expectations of the fans”, stated Van Gaal after the game, in comments that many viewed as an admission that his time as United manager was up.
United suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Southampton on Saturday – their sixth loss so far in the Premier League, and ninth in all competitions.
However, it is believed that the Welshman wants a permanent role and substantial funds to spend in order to shape his own team.
Van Gaal has 17 months to run on the three-year contract he signed in the summer of 2014, which he has insisted will be the final deal of his managerial career.
Assistant manager Ryan Giggs would also be in the running to fill Van Gaal’s boots if the Dutchman was sacked or chose to resign.
Van Gaal’s side failed to score at Old Trafford for the seventh time this term and were eventually beaten by a late headed goal from Saints’ debutant Charlie Austin.
The Red Devils are five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur in the race to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
United are now struggling with injuries to the likes of Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Ashley Young, and Van Gaal may move for a new defender before the transfer window closes to improve their situation.
Van Gaal and his players have had both Sunday and Monday off – as was always scheduled – and are due to return to work on Tuesday.
“I’m not going to sit here and say it is that attractive”, added Gill.
The Old Trafford torment has fuelled reports of meetings with Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho writing a letter to United leaders.
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“You have seen two teams who were very busy with tactics, but they don’t create many chances, and that’s why it was a poor match”.
