By Daily Sports on December 23, 2015

Under-fire Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal answered just three questions before bringing a news conference to an abrupt halt on Wednesday.

The 64-year-old Dutchman was unhappy at being asked about his future following speculation that he could be sacked.

The media briefing, ahead of Saturday’s game at Stoke, lasted only five minutes before Van Gaal’s departure.

The former Netherlands boss said he had only turned up to speak to journalists because of Premier League rules.

As he left, he told the reporters: “I wish you a merry Christmas and maybe also a happy new year when I see you. Enjoy the wine and a mince pie. Goodbye.”

United are without a win in six games, having lost their last three matches to Wolfsburg, Bournemouth and Norwich.

Van Gaal was in an angry mood from the moment he took his seat in the media room at the club’s training ground in Carrington.

“Has anybody in this room not a feeling to apologise to me? That’s what I’m wondering,” he responded after being asked about Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s earlier claim that speculation about Van Gaal’s future had been “disrespectful”.

The news conference lasted only four minutes and 58 seconds in total.

Van Gaal, who has also managed Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, is halfway through his three-year Old Trafford contract.

Van Gaal said his family and friends had been adversely affected by the criticism, amid rumours that sacked Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is poised to replace him.

“What do you think happens with my wife or my kids?” he snapped.

“Or with my grandchildren? Or with the fans of Manchester United? Or my friends? What do you think?

“So you think that I want to talk with the media now. I am here only because of the Premier League rules. I have to talk with you.”

Van Gaal is under pressure following United’s dip in league form and early exit from the Champions League.

The club are fifth in the table, below fourth-placed Tottenham on goal difference but nine points behind surprise leaders Leicester.

Chelsea’s sacking of Mourinho, 52 – who has been tipped as a possible replacement – has only intensified the pressure on Van Gaal. (BBC Sport)

•Photo shows Van Gaal.

Source Daily Sports

Posted December 23, 2015

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