Manchester United’s Louis van Gaal fumes at media

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal

Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal has once again lashed out at journalists questioning his future, before bringing up Sir Alex Ferguson’s difficult start in charge at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils played out a 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday to leave them fifth in the Premier League standings, 12 points adrift of leaders Leicester City.

Rumours again circulated that Jose Mourinho is being lined up as a replacement for the under-fire Van Gaal, who did not take kindly to journalists bringing up the matter.

“You’ve spoken with Ed Woodward?” he said at the post-match press conference. “Why they have to deny [the Mourinho rumours]? I don’t interfere neither (sic). So why the club has to deny that, when you are creating stories?

“Okay. So you didn’t speak to Ed Woodward, not with the Glazers and you are inventing a story. And then I have to answer this question. I don’t answer this question. And I shall repeat myself every week.

“Now I have to say that you are getting the sack tomorrow. What is your name? Then I can announce your name also. Look at your wife, maybe you have children or a nephew or something.”

Diego Costa netted a late equaliser to deny United the three points, bringing up the notion of “Fergie time” the Red Devils themselves often enjoyed. Van Gaal used the chance to bring up the decorated tactician’s difficult start in his early days at Old Trafford, as he slyly hit back at his critics.

“Okay, write what you want to write,” he said. “Maybe you remember also the first years of Fergie.”

United face Sunderland in their next EPL encounter on Saturday. Kickoff.com