TheCable

Louis Van Gaal has hinted that he could quit Manchester United before the board sacks him.

Addressing a post-match conference after his side’s 2-0 loss to Stoke on Boxing day, the Dutchman disclosed that the club didn’t have to ‘fire or sack’ him. when asked if he feared the exit door.

“That is something I discuss with Ed Woodward, not you,” distraught-looking Van Gaal said at the conference.

“It is not always the club that has to fire or sack me.

“Sometimes I do that by myself, but I am the one who wants to speak first with the board of Manchester United and my members of staff and my players, not with you.”

The 64-year-old admitted that the loss – the fourth straight defeat in all competitions – has left some ripple effects on the team and management.

“I have received [support of players and board] all the time but we have lost so there is a new situation.

“I feel the support of my players and my board. The fans will be disappointed, but that is logical after four defeats.”

Goals from Bojan Krkic and Marko Arnautovic ensured that Van Gaal became a matter of discussion for the club.

They play Chelsea next on Monday and Van Gaal insists that the team has to perform if they are to avoid the Britannia experience.

“We have lost the game (against Stoke) in the first 45 minutes because we didn’t dare to play our football. That is what I have analysed.

“The circumstances now play a bigger role and will in the next game also. We have to cope with that and look for the solution.

“It is very difficult as I’m also part of four losses and I have to cope with that and I have to manage that. More important is that my players shall manage that because they have to perform.”