Van Gaal assesses United draw with Chelsea

The margin of victory may not have looked big on paper, but there was a large gulf in energy, composure, desire and skill between the two sides at the Britannia Stadium. My relationship with players, board and staff members is very good. But the Dutchmen thanked his players for giving it their all and admitted that he would not leave the club as he still feels the love of all associated with the club.

Nigerian midfielder, Mikel Obi, played all 90 minutes as Chelsea were held to a 0-0 draw by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

One goal in their past four home matches, though, tells its own story for United, badly in need of a striker in the January transfer window – regardless of whether or not Van Gaal is still in charge. “It’s like that, and the pressure of the environment shall increase so it is much more hard”.

The scrutiny on Van Gaal’s position at Old Trafford was intensified by a lifeless 2-0 defeat at Stoke City on Sunday (AEDT), which marked United’s fourth straight defeat. It can be different in one month. They are now sixth in the table having won two league games in their last nine. “We have to show them (our appreciation) by picking up three points on Monday”.

Van Gaal’s comments after the Boxing Day loss at Stoke suggested he could resign, but he has now categorically denied he meant that. “I think it is normal to see that character and the desire but they showed a lot of ambition as well”. Even after this result, the fans were applauding, so I can not say that I am very much concerned but in this football world, you never know.

He said: “You see that his hand goes to the ball”. That is also in other teams.

The game was more balanced in the second half, with Nemanja Matic wasting a glorious chance for Chelsea shortly after Ander Herrera nearly broke the deadlock as Guus Hiddink’s side sat deep and played primarily on the counter.

It was a case of the beleaguered hosts against the embattled champions, and Van Gaal gave a defiant wave to United fans as he took his place in the dug-out.

Van Gaal moved to clarify his comments after the Stoke game in an attack on the media, adding: “I have said that a club can sack you but that a manager can also resign by himself”.