LVG quit offer rejected; may still resign – report

Matt Stead

Louis van Gaal offered to resign as Manchester United manager on Saturday, and could do so again on Tuesday, according to widespread reports.

Van Gaal’s tumultuous reign hit a new nadir at the weekend after United were beaten 1-0 by Southampton, with the side booed off at both half-time and full-time by disillusioned fans.

United registered just one shot on target throughout the whole clash, and have now won just two of their last ten Premier League games. They are ten points behind leaders Leicester, and five behind fourth-placed Tottenham in the race for the Champions League places.

The Guardian are among many of Tuesday’s newspapers reporting that Van Gaal offered to resign immediately following that defeat, their sixth of the league season. It is believed that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward persuaded the Dutchman to stay. Woodward is the man solely responsible for Van Gaal’s future, and is thought to be keen to avoid the mid-season turmoil that a managerial change would bring. Woodward is hoping that United can qualify for the Champions League this season under Van Gaal’s tenure, before changes are made in the summer.

Monday’s newspapers reported that Van Gaal is on the brink at Old Trafford, and the Dutchman himself admitted for the first time that he has failed to live up to expectations this season.

Some outlets are also reporting that Van Gaal offered to quit during United’s dismal end to 2015, in which they failed to win a game from November 21 to January 2. In that eight-game spell they drew four and lost four fixtures, and suffered exit from the Champions League.

It is believed that Van Gaal will return from visiting his native Holland for his daughter’s birthday on Tuesday, and will hold training with his players before meeting with club officials. The Manchester Evening News are among the many who claim that Van Gaal could offer yet another resignation to the club at this meeting.