Under-fire Man United boss has full backing from club hierarchy

Reports state that Van Gaal offered to resign on Saturday following Man U’s home defeat against Southampton, but Woodward convinced him to talk over his decision with his family.

United sources have declared that Van Gaal didn’t offer to go on this latest occasion, ahead of his return to Holland for a pre-planned mini break for his daughter’s birthday.

The loss sees the gap between themselves and Premier League leaders Leicester City widen to 10 points, as United have taken 37 points from their first 23 league games this season.

That match is looking increasingly important, with a poor result – or even just a lacklustre performance – against the Sky Bet Championship side only likely to increase the scrutiny on and anger from United fans towards Van Gaal, should he still be in his job by then.

United’s form at Old Trafford is a concern to the club and its supporters.

The Dutchman is understood to now want to fight on at United and is keen not to let down executive vice chairman Ed Woodward after the support and belief he’s shown during this traumatic winter of discontent.

Woodward is said to remain firmly behind Van Gaal remaining in charge at United until the end of this season, when the 64-year-old will nearly certainly bring forward his retirement plans by a year.

On Boxing Day, Van Gaal responded to questions about his future by saying “I can also quit by myself”.

But with boos ringing out around Old Trafford it seems the fans’ patience is finally beginning to fade.

There have been reports that there is a split in the club’s board over who should succeed van Gaal.

A staggering 79 per cent of Sportsmail readers believe Manchester United should put Van Gaal out of his misery by sacking the Dutchman. “They have, or they had, great expectations of me, and I can not fulfil them, so I am very frustrated”.

They are already out of the Champions League and were knocked out of the Capital One Cup on penalties by Middlesbrough.