Pressure is growing on Manchester United manager Louis van Gall to resign as his side fell to a humiliating defeat against Danish unknowns FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.
Manchester United lost 2-1 in a match they were tipped to win as one of Europe’s top trams exiting from the Champions League.
Critics accuse van Gaal of setting tactics that stifle his team, of failing to buy the right players and lacking the charisma and skills to carry his team to victory.
United are now fifth in the Premier League, with 41 points from 26 games.
They trail fourth placed Manchester City by six points and leaders Leicester City by 12 points.
Any hopes the board may have had for qualifying for the Champions League next year as a top-four team are gone.
Dismal displays
Not only that, the team’s only real hope of silverware is the FA Cup. They face lowly Shrewsbury Town in the next round.
Manager van Gaal has faced a barrage of criticism from fans and the media almost since day one in the hot seat after taking over from flop David Moyes, who succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson when he retired.
To many, the problem is not the management, but the expectation of fans. After almost two decades at the top, the Old Trafford board needed to spend big money to overhaul the team, but has failed to do so.
Manchester United have bought players, but none seem to have gelled to spark the team.
Now, even the most ardent supporters are calling for van Gaal’s head.
Special One waiting for call
The defeat follows a league defeat at relegation haunted Sunderland last week and many feel the Red Devils cannot sink much lower and must change course now with a new manager at the helm.
Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is said to be waiting in the wings to replace van Gaal, but no confirmation has come out of Old Trafford.
Even the Special One will have his work cut out to resurrect this team.
Manchester United seems slow, aging and stale. Wholesale changes are needed and rival teams realise this and either refuse to sell them players or add a premium to their price tag.
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