Louis van Gaal Manchester United future: Ed Woodward 'consults players' on Dutchman's future

Van Gaal has picked up just 37 points from their first 23 games, their lowest tally in the Premier League era

Samuel Stevens
Tuesday 26 January 2016 11:10 GMT
Comments
Ed Woodward
Ed Woodward (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward has reportedly consulted senior players and influential figures at Old Trafford about the future of manager Louis van Gaal.

The Red Devils slumped to a 1-0 home defeat to Southampton on Saturday afternoon, their sixth Premier League loss of the season, to a soundtrack of discontent in the stands.

Van Gaal has since travelled to the Netherlands to celebrate his daughter’s birthday and, according to Sky Sports, Woodward is in talks with players to get a sense of their opinions.

United are ten points adrift of Premier League leaders Leicester City and five behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur. Already out of the Champions League, they were knocked out of the Capital One Cup by Middlesbrough and face Derby County this weekend in the FA Cup.

The Dutchman has picked up just 37 points from their first 23 games, a figure which amounts to their lowest tally in the Premier League era, three less than under predecessor David Moyes.

Mark Ogden - What to expect from Man Utd this January transfer window

Speaking on Saturday evening, Van Gaal said: “[The fans] have - or they had - great expectations of me, and I cannot fulfil them, so I am very frustrated because of that.

“We are working very hard, but we have had a lot of injuries: that you cannot change.”

The Guardian newspaper have since speculated that the former Barcelona boss offered his resignation to Woodward.

It has been reported elsewhere, chiefly by BBC Sport, however, that no such conversation took place and Van Gaal’s focus remains on the fourth round meeting with Derby.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in