Van Gaal: I couldn’t hear the Chelsea fans

It was one of those end-to-end classics, but a draw was probably the fairest result as Chelsea and Manchester United played to a 1-1 Premier League stalemate at Stamford Bridge in London on Sunday night.

Mourinho has been repeatedly linked with succeeding Louis van Gaal at Manchester United and the visitors’ Dutch boss would have been disappointed to see the lead lost.

Six of the Red Devils’ seven 0-0 draws this season have come at home, while Spurs – now on a six-game winning streak – boast 45 goals in the league to United’s 32 this season.

Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard (C) celebrates with Wayne Rooney (L) after scoring during the EPL match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in London.

SUNDERLAND striker Jermain Defoe is looking to Leicester City for inspiration as his relegation-threatened club bid to stay in the Premier League.

“We have managed to survive and we are only five points behind the top four”.

The BBC and the Manchester Evening News on Friday reported that discussions have taken place between the two parties.

Just before the break Chelsea wanted a penalty when John Terry, after leaving his role at the back to run forward, had a shot that was blocked by Daley Blind. Then I can announce the name also. Van Gaal said, referring to Ferguson’s four-year wait to win a trophy in his 26-year reign. “You have to study, study statistics”.

Van Gaal, whose side are now six points off the Champions League places after Diego Costa’s injury time equaliser, said: “Why do they have to deny?”

United dictated large parts of the game, making an assertive start at Stamford Bridge, passing with precision and speed across the field.

The functionality of their play is a big reason why Van Gaal is fast losing support with fans at Old Trafford and despite extensive spending over recent years, there will be plenty of work to do this summer if they are to compete for the title again, whoever is in charge.

Minutes later United were ahead when Lingard, who had his back to goal, controlled Cameron Borthwick-Jackson’s cross from the left before turning and striking the ball into the corner and past the dive of Courtois.

“I have to say that we played a very good match until the last quarter of the game”. A fantastic cross also.

“You need to give the right pass at the right moment and we did not do that when Chelsea scored”.

On the south-coast, though, Arsenal emerged from its January slump.

Mesut Ozil scored his first goal since December’s reverse fixture against Bournemouth and within 90 seconds Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ended a 17-month league goal drought.

And Mata said: “When you win and when you play good football, confidence grows”.