P45 for LVG?

By Chris
December 28 2015

Intense speculation suggests Louis van Gaal could be on the brink of the sack as Manchester United crashed to a fourth defeat on the bounce at Stoke City on Boxing Day.

The Red Devils have failed to win any of their last seven outings, and looked punchless againstr a determined Potters side.

Bojan Krkic broke the deadlock on 19 minutes, before Marko Arnautovic doubled the home side's advantage with a stunning, long-range strike seven minutes later.

The home side looked more confident and composed throughout and were worthy winners. Arnautovic should have made it three before the break when one-on-one with Fellaini; though Stoke 'keeper Jack Butland did have some work to do, and did well to deny both Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata Garcia.

Wayne Rooney, a half-time substitute, failed to inspire the Red Devils after the interval; as the travelling Red Army witnessed a fifth league defeat of the campaign.

United's last victory came at Watford on November 21st. Since then, van Gaal's floundering side hve been held by PSV, Leicester and West Ham, before embarking on a string of defeats.

Losses against Wolfsburg, AFC Bournemouth and Norwich preluded this Britannia Stadium defeat; a result which sees United - following the Boxing Day action - slide to sixth place in the table.

That November win at Vicarage Road left United one point off the top - but a sharp dip in form has left van Gaal overwhelming favourite to be the next Premier League boss to leave; with the Dutchman even hinting he could quit himself. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen.

Full Time - Stoke City 2-0 Manchester United
Attendance - 27,426