adminLONDON. – Manchester United will stick by Louis van Gaal even if he fails to clinch a return to the Champions League – and will be given a £150 million-plus transfer war chest to complete his overhaul of the squad. United’s faith in Van Gaal’s “project” is understood to remain unshaken despite Monday’s FA Cup exit to Arsenal sentencing the club to two consecutive seasons without a trophy for the first time since the late 1980s and disquiet among supporters with United’s long ball tactics.
United’s top-four hopes face a defining month with games against Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea looming but the Old Trafford hierarchy are understood to be loathe to make another managerial change a year after sacking Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor David Moyes.
And they will underline their belief that progress is being made under Van Gaal, who has a three-year contract, by backing him this summer when Southampton right back Nathaniel Clyne, Borussia Dortmund centre-half Mats Hummels, Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman, PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay, West Brom striker Saido Berahino and Burnley free agent Danny Ings will all be on the radar.
Loan star Radamel Falcao, Robin van Persie, Juan Mata and Rafael Da Silva could all be heading for the exit door in another major summer upheaval at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Van Gaal’s fate as Manchester United manager will be decided by their crunch run of games over the next month.
Van Gaal is under increasing pressure following United’s FA Cup exit at home to Arsenal on Monday night, which has left a top-four place – and the Champions League return that goes with it – their only remaining target this season. – The Daily Express.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter