Louis van Gaal may only have two matches to save his job as manager of Manchester United.

Van Gaal must avoid defeat by Stoke City on Boxing Day and then Chelsea two days later, or he could be fired with Jose Mourinho available as an instant replacement.

Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, speaks daily with the Glazers, who own the club, and is bound to debate the performance of the team and Van Gaal’s position. 

There have been reports of Van Gaal losing the confidence and support of his players.

Van Gaal has previously stated that if the squad are no longer behind him he would walk away from the club.

Mourinho believed he had a real chance of replacing Ferguson when the Scot retired in May 2013. Ferguson was against the appointment of Mourinho, preferring instead David Moyes.