Louis van Gaal’s disastrous run as manager of Manchester United continued with a 2-0 loss at Stoke on Boxing Day. The loss meant that United have now lost four games in a row and find themselves without a win in their last seven outings. Van Gaal finds himself under huge pressure, but he still believes that he has the backing of his players to turn their fortunes around.
Lethargic Boxing Day display at Stoke from United
The margin of victory might have been just two goals but there was clearly a difference in quality between the two sides. United lacked energy, composure and desire even though they had the majority of possession. Their inability to do things with the ball was well exploited by a resolute Stoke. LVG had the support of the board in the build-up to the game but looked uncertain about his future while addressing the media shortly after the defeat.
The Dutchman also admitted that it will be hard to lift the spirits in the camp when they face Chelsea at Old Trafford today. "When you lose four matches in a row it's much more difficult," Van Gaal said. “It's like that. And the pressure of the environment shall increase, so it's much more difficult and there are no artificial ways to solve that. We need a victory and that is very important."
When asked if he thought the players still believed in him, the 64-year-old said: "Until now, I can say 'yes'."
We are playing for the club : Carrick
United midfielder Michael Carrick has revealed that it is ‘disrespectful’ when people say that the players are not giving their 100 percent for the manager. He also added that the recent poor performances cannot be linked to a fallout with Van Gaal.
"I have a lot of pride in myself and in my performances, and I think it is a bit disrespectful when people say that the lads aren't trying for the manager," the United vice-captain said. “That hurts us a lot because that is not the type of people we are.”
“We haven't won games and it is fair enough if people criticise things that have gone wrong on the pitch. But I think to say we are not trying for certain people is quite disrespectful and it hurts us a lot.”
“We're playing for this great club. It is a special club. It is pride in yourself, pride in the club and pride in everyone - your team-mates and staff,” he added.
