Van Gaal: Beating Chelsea will keep title hopes alive

“He can play the final and that I have said to him”, said Van Gaal in a news conference.

Wayne Rooney has led the charge with seven goals in his last seven games as United moved into the fifth round of the FA Cup and stayed within touching distance of the Premier League’s top four.

Mourinho has been linked with the Old Trafford post ever since his exit from Chelsea in December, with incumbent boss Louis van Gaal’s future still uncertain.

It’s worth noting that Mourinho’s bete noir Pep Guardiola has already been confirmed as Manchester City’s manager from the coming season, replacing Manuel Pellegrini.

That might still be the case but Van Gaal is confident of the work he is doing at the club and believes the make up of the current squad is incomparable with the one present when he took over.

Louis Van Gaal has been under a lot of criticism this season after Manchester United have not lived up to their high standards this season.

“I have the feeling that if we beat Chelsea – and that’s hard, since Hiddink is there, they don’t lose any more – then our league is starting again, so that’s very important”.

“I want to give him a spiritual aim”, said Van Gaal.

Eden Hazard scored his first Chelsea goal of the season – and for 31 games – at stadium:mk and could start in the Premier League for the first time in five weeks against United.

However, an irritated Van Gaal disagreed with his captain and insisted that the upturn in form was down to his philosophy.

Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern this afternoon have assembled in their masses to discuss the latest gossip, which suggests their managerial search has come to and end. Louis Van Gaal had some pressure lifted off his shoulders after their 3-0 win over Stoke city in midweek.

“No, I’m sorry to say that”.

United would be insane not to have opened talks with Jose Mourinho.

“It is only because of the confidence that the players themselves feel more free”.