Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has reportedly been given three games to reverse the fortunes of the club following their embarrassing 2-1 Uefa Europa League defeat to Midtjylland on Thursday, lest his contract at Old Trafford be brought to an abrupt end.
The Manchester Evening News writes that the Dutchman has just one week to “save his job” with the following three fixtures—Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup on Monday, the second leg with Midtjylland on Thursday and a dangerous visit from Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.
However, this tweet from a frustrated fan sums up the mood at Old Trafford at the moment.
#mufc fans have shown gallows humour since Palace, with exception of Southampton last month. Deserve better football and a better manager.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) February 18, 2016
Anything other than a victory in the first two opponents would put an end to any hopes of silverware for the Red Devils this season, while another defeat in the league would snuff out their slim chance of making the top four.
However, the latest threat to the Dutchman has been greeted with sarcasm by some observers.
Van Gaal given time to rescue title hopes
Van Gaal given time to rescue top 4 hopes
Van Gaal given time to rescue tying own shoelaces hopes
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) February 19, 2016
With Manchester City’s acquisition of Pep Guardiola and the generally tougher landscape in the Premier League, United faithfuls fear for their future as the team continues to regress under the Dutchman’s watch.
Even with three successful results, it is hard to fathom his continued stay on the job as his position has become completely untenable.
