Van Gaal issues Mata challenge

Sources told ESPN FC on Thursday night that representatives for United have met with representatives for Jose Mourinho, a possible successor for Van Gaal should he leave Old Trafford this summer.

Cool your jets Manchester United fans.

Mourinho has been out of work since his infamous sacking at Chelsea in December previous year, just seven months after leading them to the Premier League title.

Louis van Gaal has dismissed claims Manchester United are already in talks with Jose Mourinho about replacing him as manager.

Van Gaal said he had good reason for optimism after the win over Stoke followed an FA Cup victory at Championship team Derby County.

Shaw will no doubt be keeping a close eye on proceedings as Van Gaal and his Manchester United side are preparing for their Premier League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

However, an irritated Van Gaal disagreed with his captain and insisted that the upturn in form was down to his philosophy. The league in which they play is not very good, and more about development.

“You want to write that it’s because he gets another training session in another style, because Louis van Gaal gives more freedom”.

“We train all the same in the same way”. Michael Carrick said that and I had the same feeling.

Lingard, who scored the opener against Stoke, also said the win had eased the pressure on the team, who have faced criticism following a series of tepid displays this season.

“But maybe I have another No. 10 who is better than Mata”.

Mourinho’s shadow looms large above Van Gaal’s head, while Hiddink knows that he is only keeping the seat warm for whomever Chelsea decide to appoint as the long-term successor to the Portuguese.

Current Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal has faced intense scrutiny for the team’s results, and indeed their style of play, this season but critics of Mourinho have pointed to the fact that his past teams often play in a defensive manner.