Van Gaal says he won’t quit Manchester United

Manchester United and Chelsea played out an entertaining goalless draw at Old Trafford on Monday, with the pressure remaining on United boss Louis van Gaal after an eighth consecutive match without a win.

And Chris Smalling dismissed suggestions that the team had stopped playing for their manager in recent weeks as United crashed out of the Champions League and slipped to sixth place in the Premier League table.

Van Gaal is such a confident character that hearing him speak about the possibility of resigning after the 0-0 draw at Stoke on Boxing Day came as something of a surprise.

Van Gaal has become increasingly unpopular at the Theatre of Dreams.

Schneiderlin was disappointed by the result for United, which has scored just five goals in that eight-game run.

Van Gaal explained after the Chelsea match: “AZ wanted to keep me and the players were coming to my house and the directors are coming to my house”. I can only work with my players and you can see they are fighting for me. We were lacking some attacking players and had to adapt.

Fans have been heard singing the name of Mourinho at games and performances have been woeful.

The Dutchman said United should have been given two penalties after Chelsea midfielder Willian handled the ball and when Cesar Azpilicueta challenged his former team mate Juan Mata in the box. Chelsea are [despite their lowly league position, strong and risky opponents/three points above the relegation zone for a reason, and that reason is: they’re rubbish], but United…

Christmas is a time for many things – eating, drinking, making merry – but most importantly it’s a time for play.

But it was seen by many as a storm off and that Van Gaal was angry.

“I think we were quite lucky we had another game straight after and that we could put it right”.

“Even after this result, the fans were applauding so I can not say I am very much concerned but in this football world you never know”.

A smattering of boos rang out from the home support at the full time whistle, and the shadow of Jose Mourinho continues to stalk Van Gaal as his side slipped further off the pace at the top. Herrera, who is another popular figure with United’s supporters, has been in and out of the side ever since joining the club in July 2014.

“Of course I’m anxious”, he said. Because of the fast players we have up front who can break they were cautious, and approached the game not to lose. This looked like the team of old with the way they attacked and pressed.