It is believed that Van Gaal will return from visiting his native Holland for his daughter’s birthday on Tuesday, and will hold training with his players before meeting with club officials.
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He will take training as normal as United prepare for the FA Cup clash with Derby on Friday.
Van Gaal admitted at the weekend to being unable to fulfill the expectations of United’s fans, many of whom grew up on a consistently full cup of success under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Red Devils are five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur in the race to secure a place in next season’s Champions League. “For me, what we did in the past was great but you have to have the players to do that”, Gill told BBC Radio 5 live’s Sportsweek. Townsend wants to quit Spurs after struggling to get a game under Mauricio Pochettino and still hopes to play for England this summer.
Asked whether he has the appetite to continue at Old Trafford, Van Gaal responded with: “This question I shall never answer to you”. Similar instances in Barcelona and Alkmaar show that Van Gaal may yet very well resign on his own.
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.
Stats released this evening revealed that Manchester United have had fewer shots on target at home this season than any other side in the top four divisions in England.
Loud boos rang around Old Trafford following the final whistle of Saturday’s game as Van Gaal endured what he later described as the worst reaction he has heard from United supporters during his time in charge.
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One person who has been suggested as a possible successor to Van Gaal is Ryan Giggs, who is the Dutchman’s assistant. According to reports, he was nearly fired after Christmas, but three wins – notably a 1-0 victory and Liverpool – and a tie at the beginning of the year eased the pressure on the 64-year-old Van Gaal.
