Van Gaal Did Not Tender Resignation

According to sources at the club, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal did not tender his resignation following Saturday’s defeat to Southampton. Several newspaper reports claimed that Van Gaal tendered his resignation after United were relegated to their sixth league defeat of the season by a Charlie Austin-late header leaving them five points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham. But sources say no such offer was made and there is no suggestion that Van Gaal will end his tenure in the next 24 hours. The Dutchman returned to his home country, the Netherlands to celebrate his daughter’s birthday after the loss, with the players given the day off from training on Monday, but is now back to prepare his team for Friday’s FA Cup clash at Derby County. In his absence, United Chief Executive Ed Woodward held talks with a number of players and senior figures at Old Trafford to discuss Van Gaal and recent performances, although Woodward is not expected in Manchester on Tuesday. Fans seem to have become disappointed with the team’s playing style, calling for more emphasis on attack while Van Gaal has adopted a more defensive approach. The club is also yet to win a trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, despite Van Gaal spending almost £250m in the last 18 months.