Van Gaal aims to carry on regardless

MANCHESTER United manager Louis van Gaal has returned to his desk despite continuing speculation about his replacement by Jose Mourinho.

The pressure increased on Van Gaal on Saturday when United stretched their winless run to six with an embarrassing home defeat to Norwich. The loss meant United dropped out of the league’s top four. The club’s supporters made their feelings known, fans booing their own side off the pitch. Mourinho is a free agent following his sacking by Chelsea and the Portuguese has reportedly made it known that he would be happy taking over at Old Trafford if a vacancy arises.

Mourinho has no plans to take a sabbatical and United are thought to be one of four big European clubs the 52 year old would consider joining.

United refused to comment on speculation that Van Gaal has two games to save his job, but it is understood the Dutchman was at the club’s training base in Carrington yesterday, working as normal.

In the immediate aftermath of the defeat, Van Gaal insisted he had the support of United executive vice–chairman Ed Woodward and the players.

The United manager said: “Ed was very fast out of the dressing room, but I feel that support, yes.

“The most important support is from the players because the players have to do it on the pitch and the chemistry between the players and the manager and his staff is very important.”