The Boxing Day clash against Stoke City is do-or-die for Louis Van Gaal. Speculation on his future as Manchester United manager reached fever pitch on Tuesday with numerous sources stating that he got the sack after a boardroom meeting and Jose Mourinho would be installed as the new United manager. It was disrespectful and created a sense of uncertainty among United fans. It was appalling that fellow United fans were hoping, wishing and praying that he got the sack. Personally, I felt that his time was up after the result and the display against Norwich City last Saturday. I felt that there was perhaps some truth in the rumours circulating around his future. In the best interests of the club, I would want him to do well because that would mean United doing well. I have backed him based on his credentials and experience. However, I have been perplexed on why we are witnessing the kind of football we have witnessed after having seen the way his Ajax Amsterdam, Barcelona and Bayern Munich sides played. I have been equally perplexed on his change in demeanour. He no longer fights every ball, every decision with his team on the sidelines. This is not the Louis Van Gaal that I remember of from the past after his appointment was made official.
Tomorrow against Stoke, a victory would ensure a stay of execution for the beleaguered manager. A defeat would almost certainly seal his fate and he would get the sack while a draw would bring him closer to the sack which might or might not result in his immediate sacking. His sacking should see him bring an illustrious career to an ignominious end. A shame and a pity if it happens but let's focus on tomorrow first. Playing against Stoke at Britannia Stadium is a tough task on any day let alone on the back of poor form, low confidence and desperately needing a win for Van Gaal to keep his job. Stoke may no longer be the long ball, direct team they were under Tony Pulis and United legend, Mark Hughes deserves credit for evolving their style of play but God knows what the weather conditions would be like tomorrow and that adds to the difficulty of the task facing United. Stoke has already beaten Chelsea and Manchester City in Britannia Stadium this season. I don't suppose they would go into this tie lacking confidence. It is not going to be easy for United by any stretch of the imagination.
Van Gaal had a meltdown in his pre-match press conference at Carrington. What effect that would have on him and the players it remains to be seen. It could revitalise the squad or it could just add more pressure on the squad. There have been reports that the captain Wayne Rooney had issued a rallying call to the squad and Van Gaal has confirmed that he delivered a rousing speech for the players and his staff in Carrington. We shall see what effect that has on the performance and result starting Saturday. Personally, I would take a string of 1-0 wins for the foreseeable future until confidence is restored. I would take scrappy 1-0 wins, eking out results along the way. The squad needs confidence, the team need wins, the team needs 3 points in the league and progression in the FA Cup and for that they would need any kind of victory as long as the team wins. After all, a 1-0 win is worth as much as a 5-0 win. As fans, at this juncture, we would need to forego the style with which victories are achieved in the short term. Let's see what tomorrow holds for us. Good luck Manchester United!
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