Business as usual for Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal

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

United, who have lost their last three games, are away to Hughes’ Stoke on Boxing Day.

Louis van Gaal has the experience to bring success to Manchester United despite their recent slump in form, according to Phil Neville.

United’s hierarchy held a meeting on Tuesday in London but it is understood Van Gaal’s future was not the reason for the gathering and commercial matters were instead top of the agenda.

The ex-Chelsea boss was the best-paid manager in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge, earning £12million a year.

This is one player that could cause some major turmoil if he is sold off but at the moment, he looks like he is no longer committed to the Manchester United plan. Then we had a couple of good wins and good performances at the Britannia. Now he has stepped into being an assistant manager – the natural progression for him is to go on to be a manager.

The links between José Mourinho and Manchester United are picking up in volume. When I feel I’ve got the right experience and there is a job that I think suits me, I’ll think about it.

United’s leadership are also discussing the possibility of Ryan Giggs taking over from Van Gaal, but don’t want to throw the inexperienced club legend into the deep end.

“Teams are actually looking forward to going to Old Trafford and that never used to be the case”.

The club needs an iconic figure to spearhead their challenge in the years ahead, with the coaching brain to cope with the attacking expectations of a traditional United side.

Cries of Mourinho’s name could be heard around Old Trafford on Saturday and United were booed off the pitch following their third straight defeat, which left them in fifth position.