Louis van Gaal clashed with a journalist following Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea, after the reporter suggested that the club was looking to replace the Dutchman.
The reporter fired the deliberately provocative question at Van Gaal during the manager’s post-match press conference, asking: “Although you drop points, the performances are improving. Do you think that’s important as the club is trying to replace, that you are putting in these performances that show you may [be valuable] to the club?”
But Van Gaal refused to play ball, replying: “Have you spoken to [United executive vice-chairman] Ed Woodward?” When the journalist replied that he hadn’t, Van Gaal continued: “You are inventing the story. Then I have to answer that question. I shall repeat myself every week. I have to say that you are getting the sack tomorrow. What is your name? Then I can announce the name also.”
Watch the exchange below:
Though no official statement has been made by the club, it is widely speculated that Manchester United are looking to bring in a new manager, with Jose Mourinho’s name frequently being mentioned as a potential replacement. However, it appears that the repeated questioning Van Gaal is facing regarding his future with the club is irritating the manager, and as more journalists look to grab quotes from him in these conferences, we can only imagine that his relationship with the UK media is going to become increasingly hostile.
