LOUIS VAN GAAL has left the building - but is set to return.
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| Louis van Gaal leaves Carrington this afternoon |
The Manchester United boss was at United's Carrington HQ today following suggestions he was set for crunch talks.
But Van Gaal now looks to have secured a stay of execution until the end of the season.
United lost to Southampton at the weekend and fell five points behind Tottenham in fourth place.
Van Gaal's remit for the season was a top three finish and to guide United into the knockout phase of the Champions League.
United, however, have been dumped into the Europa League and now face a mountain to catch Manchester City, Arsenal or Leicester to get into the top three.
Spurs are also a problem, with Mauricio Pochettino's side in good form, and could make getting back into the top four a real struggle for United.
Reports suggested Van Gaal had offered to resign on Saturday night before heading off to Holland for his daughter's birthday but that has been denied by the club.
United have also denied meeting with Pep Guardiola in Paris last month after reports in France claimed talks had taken place.
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| Van Gaal was in Holland for his daughter's birthday |
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| Van Gaal has looked like a dead man walking at times this season |
Van Gaal is contracted for another 18 months but looks unlikely to be in charge next season - whether he stays on until the summer or not.
Ed Woodward, though, is keen to keep the Dutchman on at least until the end of the season with Ryan Giggs and Jose Mourinho the most likely candidates to take over.
Guardiola may be the dream, but he is set for City and will announce that move as soon as Bayern and City can no longer meet in the Champions League.
And that has left United hamstrung with Van Gaal appearing like a dead man walking at times.
United went eight games without a win through December and, despite wins over Swansea and Liverpool this month, have felt the force of the stands with booing ringing out at Old Trafford.
Chants of Mourinho have also been heard but doubts remain over the Portuguese's suitability for the Old Trafford job.
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