Louis Van Gaal’s future hangs in the balance as Manchester United top four hopes are all but over. Even if the Red Devils defeat Bournemouth on Tuesday their inferior goal difference to Manchester City means their noisy neighbors have secured Champions League football for next season.
Fans have become disgruntled at the club’s failings and several now want the Dutchman sacked. Jose Mourinho has been touted to replace him but the board is unsure if he will be the right fit.
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During the course of the season, several critics have also laid into Van Gaal’s methodology and tactics. United have only managed 46 goals all season and they have lacked that cutting edge going forward.
The Old Trafford faithful have been left frustrated at the style of play, having endured several goalless draws this season. But Van Gaal feels it’s former United stars like Paul Scholes who have convinced the fans that he is wrong for the club.
“In spite of the attacks of the media – and not only the media, the legends and other kinds of people – I am here and I am fighting, I am an open book. When you have expectations that Manchester United has to be champions, then you’re disappointed.’
United won their last league title in 2013 and the fans are not used to the club failing to achieve success but Van Gaal is bullish about his achievements. ”But when we qualify ourselves or win a title, I am satisfied. But in the eyes of some fans, or many fans, that’s not enough because you have to win the title.”
Van Gaal believes he will still be here at the club next season despite all the rumours that have been swirling around. “I have the impression that I will still be here, otherwise I can’t say all the things that I have said. But in the football world, you never know, and I have seen that before.”
Scholes not happy with Manchester United
Paul Scholes has been Van Gaal’s harshest critic. The United legend now works as a pundit for the media and has criticized the style of play, demanding more entertainment from the team.
"I think there's a lot of talent in the squad, it's probably just the way they've been playing that hasn't been entertaining enough.” Scholes told Sky Sports News. Scholes also blamed the transfer policy under Van Gaal, citing some of the players he sold as mistakes.
United still have an FA Cup final to look forward to. They will face Crystal Palace next weekend, and a win will hand them a first major piece of silverware since the Premier League title 3 seasons ago when Sir Alex Ferguson was still in charge.
