Manchester United Blunder Perfect Chance To Save Louis Van Gaal’s Job

Over the last two seasons Louis Van Gaal has always done just enough to keep his job at Manchester United. Poor form, an early Champions League exit, non-existent title challenges, and a consistently dire style have each been rectified by either a positive result that teases progress, a stubborn desire to give him time, or his sudden decision to turn to youth.

But after Manchester United’s pulsating 3-2 defeat to West Ham United Louis Van Gaal looks to have run out of options, as Champions League qualification is now out of the club’s hands, and he now stands on the brink of ending his Old Trafford tenure one year earlier than planned.

United’s performance was almost a microcosm of what’s been wrong with Van Gaal’s team over the last two years. They started off wholly unconvincing, sloppy, and without an obvious style or determination as they were over-run by a rampant West Ham.

But they miraculously equalised and took the lead with the end of the game in touching distance, only to then succumb to two goals from delicious deliveries and strong headers that United’s defence and midfield didn’t have the mettle or organisation to repel.

What’s so frustrating is that, once again, United had somehow clawed their way back into contention for a Champions League berth, only to then allow it to fall through their fingertips when.

Having seemingly dropped out of top four contention after their defeat to West Bromwich Albion at the start of March, United’s victory over Manchester City kick-started a sudden burst of form that suddenly left the Red Devils just two victories away from usurping their cross-city rivals.

But United’s defeat to West Ham United at a visceral farewell to the Boleyn Ground now hands the initiative back to Manchester City, who only need to draw at Swansea to confirm their top four position. All Manchester United know it that they need to win at home to Bournemouth.

Because of this predicament it’s now looking unlikely that Manchester United will qualify for next season’s Champions League. And even though they have the comfort of an FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace on the horizon, that on its own is unlikely to save Louis Van Gaal’s job.

Missing out on the Champions League for a second time in three years is a substantial step back for a club with United’s aspirations. And with Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea having all made steps to catch Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal seemingly always plateaued in fourth, the onus is now on United to try and improve, too.

The jury is still very much out on whether Louis Van Gaal is the man to do that for Manchester United. Even though he’s teased progression with his use of youth, he’s spent over £250 million on a team that’s really not much better than what he had when he arrived.

And with the ultimate forbidden fruit in Jose Mourinho waiting in the wings, the temptation for United to bring in a proven winner is now likely to be too much.

[Images via Getty/Paul Gilham & Getty/Julian Finney]