Louis Van Gaal determined to stay as Manchester United draw with Chelsea
Louis Van Gaal is resolute to stay as the Manchester United manager after his team managed a scoreless draw with current league champions Chelsea at home.
United’s number of winless games stretched to a staggering eight after the draw with Chelsea. The current goalless draw with the blues was their seventh in the present campaign.
Currently experiencing their lowest league position in 26 years, United started the match with fantastic energy and intent. In the first 45 minutes, fans at Old Trafford saw Juan Mata and Anthony Martial hit the woodwork twice and a couple of world class saves from the Chelsea goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.
United were unable to find the net, but Van Gaal was applauded as he left the pitch after the match. The rejuvenated Dutchman was in a vociferous mood in his post-match press conference.
"Inside of the club the players are willing to fight for every metre, the manager is willing to fight, the members of staff are willing to fight and the board is very confident in the staff and the manager." Van Gaal said, as reported by Sky Sports.
Before the match, the shops outside Old Trafford saw Jose Mourinho scarves being sold at £10 (AU $20.53) each. Many United supporters picked up the merchandise and displayed them in full force from the stands. One of the banners also read "Leave, Vanish, Go".
Despite these protests, majority of the supporters at Old Trafford enjoyed the brand of football United offered. The game saw United attack for the major parts with the wingers and the full-backs constantly overlapping and making forward runs. The amount of back passes were also less and the United players were passing with intent and purpose.
"When the players can give such a performance with this lot of pressure then it is not any reason to resign for me. I am under contract so it's not a question of staying, it is a question of fulfilling my contract." The Dutchman added.
The only disappointment of the evening, aside from United not finding the net was the refereeing display by Martin Atkinson, who failed to award United two penalties when Juan Mata was brought down in the penalty box by Cesar Azpilicueta and Willian forcefully handled the ball.