Louis van Gaal's job is safe at Man Utd even if they crash out of the Champions League

Louis van Gaal's Man United job will be safe even if they bow out of the Champions League

LOUIS VAN GAAL will not be under threat if Manchester United crash out of the Champions League tomorrow.

 

United were booed off by sections of the Old Trafford crowd after their fourth goalless draw in their last six home games, and the sense of frustration will only intensify if they fail to secure the win they need against Wolfsburg to guarantee qualification for the knock-out stages in Europe.

Despite the crowd unrest, senior club figures are understood to be happy with the progress being made under Van Gaal - United are three points off the top of the Premier League - but talks are planned in the New Year to establish if the Dutchman plans to retire in 18 months' time.

 

In the unlikely event that Van Gaal, 63, indicates he wants to stay on, United are not ruling out the possibility of an extension to his three-year contract. But they know they cannot go into next season not knowing what his intentions are. If he confirms he will leave in the summer of 2017 they need to draw up succession plans.

United are understood to be reluctant to make a move at this stage for Pep Guardiola because if he leaves Bayern Munich in May, he is expected to take over at neighbours Manchester City.

 

But if the Spaniard took another year's sabbatical he could come into the equation if Van Gaal retires.

Ryan Giggs, Van Gaal's No2, is being groomed to take over but reports in Italy claim former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti and Juve coach Massimo Allegri have been sounded out. United will also monitor Gary Neville's progress as Valencia coach.

 

Van Gaal will be given another huge transfer pot this summer to try to lure a superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar or Gareth Bale to Old Trafford with the club's hierarchy admitting they are lacking an 'X-factor' player who would help them conquer Europe.

Meanwhile, Morgan Schneiderlin and Paddy McNair, who both limped off against West Ham, have added to Van Gaal's injury worries ahead of the crucial game in Wolfsburg. Skipper Wayne Rooney, Ander Herrera, Phil Jones, Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw are already out.