Louis van Gaal suggested he will consider stepping down as manager of Manchester United following their 2-0 loss at Stoke City.

United have now lost four straight matches in all competitions.

Asked whether he had received assurances from the club hierarchy, Van Gaal told reporters: "I can also quit by myself.

"That is something I speak to Ed Woodward [about] by himself -- not with you.

"It is not always [that] the club has to fire or sack me. Sometimes I do it by myself. I am the one who wants to speak first with the board of Manchester United and with my members of staff and players -- and not with you."

United has been considering firing Van Gaal to hire Jose Mourinho.