United unlucky not to beat Chelsea, says Rooney

After United’s defeat 2-1 against Stoke City, Van Gaal mentioned the possibility of resignation but the manager has since claimed that his comments had been taken out of context saying, “Maybe the media wants that, but I shall not do that”.

Just three minutes in, Wayne Rooney, restored to the starting XI, laid the ball off to Juan Mata, who hit the bar with a fierce volley.

Truth be told, many pundits and sports reporters alike wouldn’t be surprised if Van Gaal isn’t Manchester United’s boss in their Monday clash with Chelsea.

“When the players have done what they’ve done today, the fans can be satisfied”. One held a banner aloft imploring the manager to “Leave, Vanish, Go” and red Mourinho scarves were on sale from unofficial vendors outside the ground. Boos had greeted the half-time and full-time whistles last week but this was a much improved performance from the home side, one that mostly impressed the 75,000 United fans. The full-backs overlapped the wingers, the forwards ran at Chelsea’s defence and the tempo was much higher.

“I can not have any influence on that”, he said.

“I can only work with my players and you have seen that the players are fighting for me; they have given a good performance”.

“After this result the fans were applauding. It’s not a question of staying, it’s a question of fulfilling my contract”. Van Gaal had only Memphis Depay as an attacking option to bring on and Hiddink didn’t even really have that – Ramires was his only senior outfield player, hardly the type to come on and make a match-winning contribution.

Playing up front, with Martial exiled to the left, the England captain set up two early chances for Mata and Morgan Schneiderlin, the Spaniard slamming a shot against the bar, the Frenchman drilling wide.

The Chelsea goalkeeper did well to stop Ander Herrera breaking the deadlock in the 56th minute, making a reflex save from the Spaniard, and soon after the London team’s Brazilian midfielder Willian was lucky not to concede a penalty when he handled the ball under no pressure from the opposition inside his area.

“We didn’t have full power to hurt United… we have some problems in the striker position due to suspension and injuries so we had to think how to solve that problem”.

“In this insane football world that can happen every day, also with me”.

On the flipside, Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink is satisfied with Chelsea’s draw at Manchester United.