According to reports, Louis Van Gaal's position as manager of Manchester United is now untenable |
Reports on Tuesday evening suggested that Louis Van Gaal had been sacked by Manchester United. Although no official announcement has been made by the club, the overwhelming feeling felt by the majority of the footballing world is that the 64-year-old Dutchman will lose his job in the extremely near future. A run of six games in all competitions without a win, including an early exit from the Champions League and back-to-back Premier League defeats against Bournemouth and Norwich, has ultimately left Van Gaal facing the prospect of an early retirement. The sacking of Jose Mourinho by Chelsea has only added to the pressure, and the many thousands of restless United fans who have watched their side play so poorly at times this season feel that this should be the end of the road for the Dutchman.
"Manchester United are going backwards again and I don't see that changing. Players are playing it safe because they are afraid of the consequences if they try to take chances."Speaking before the game against Norwich, it is clear that it is not just the United supporters that feel that their side is not living up to expectations. Defeat on Saturday saw Tottenham replace the Red Devils in the top four, and Van Gaal and his players now find themselves level with Crystal Palace on twenty-nine points, a further nine points adrift of shock leaders Leicester.
Juan Mata was sold by Chelsea under Jose Mourinho and the Manchester United playmaker will fear the worst if his old boss takes over at Old Trafford |
The temptation to replace Van Gaal with the Portuguese is growing stronger and stronger, and it feels as if it is only a matter of time before an official announcement on the Dutchman's future is made. If it hasn't already happened, a defeat or failure to beat Stoke on Boxing Day will undoubtedly mark the end of Louis Van Gaal's eighteen month tenure in charge of the world's biggest football club. With Jose Mourinho waiting impatiently, it seems only fitting that the Portuguese's first match in charge of United will be against Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho will be hoping for a return to management sooner rather than later, with Old Trafford his preferred destination |