A defeat by Manchester United at home against Chelsea on Monday would likely result in the departure of Louis van Gaal.

United lost to Stoke City on Boxing Day, their fourth straight defeat and seventh match without a win.

It is believed Ed Woodward and Van Gaal held talks over the weekend.

Despite the dire recent results he denied his oft-mentioned “philosophy” is not working at United.

“There has been progression,” he said. “A month ago we were first in the Premier League, maybe you remember that? But we lost important games and now we have to come back, in more difficult situations than last season. We were there and we have fallen back. And that’s different. Everybody is judging differently, and that is what’s happening now, and you have to cope with it.”