Will van Gaal stay or Will van Gaal go? There really isn’t another way to phrase the question that is on all Manchester United fan’s lips without sounding oddly like 70’s punk rockers The Clash; so I apologise.
However the saga as to whether to dutchman will remain at Old Trafford seems no closer to coming to an end, with speculation over his future as rife as ever following United’s defeat to West Ham United last night.
The 3-2 defeat – in what was the final ever game at the Boleyn Ground – leaves United in 5th place with their chances of Champions League football no longer in their hands.
Noisy neighbours City need only a point at Swansea in their final game of the season to end The Red Devil’s hopes of a coveted a 4th place finish, and would condemn Louis van Gaal’s side to Europa League football once again.
While an FA Cup final victory at Wembley against unlikely finalists Crystal Palace on the 21st May may salvage the former Barcelona man’s season, many are saying the loss last night has all but sealed LVG’s fate.
With Jose Mourinho the odds on favourite to succeed the Dutchman – who has one year left on his contract – at Old Trafford, a number of high profile names are also in the offing as United look to return to their days of former glory.
Fans at the Transfer Tavern have asked the Landlord just who he think’s would be the right man for the job next season……
[ffc-gallery]
PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE MOURINHO ALTERNATIVES!
[/ffc-gallery]
Laurent Blanc
The former United defender and current PSG boss has enjoyed plenty of success in the French Capital throughout his tenure, which started in 2013.
Blanc also guided former club Bordeaux to an astonishing Ligue 1 title in 2009, where his side won their last 11 games of the season to secure the trophy.
Does the Frenchman possess the ability the operate outside of France’s less competitive top division however?
Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino met none other than Sir Alex Ferguson for lunch on Tuesday in London, in a move that sent Tottenham fans at the Tavern and on social media into a mad daze of panic.
Now while it may be only coincidental, Sir Alex has previously hailed the Argentine amidst speculation of a possible move to Old Trafford this summer earlier in the season. Could you call it ‘tapping up’?
Ryan Giggs
The Welshman has previously stepped in as Manager for the club back in 2014 after the sacking of Scotsman David Moyes.
While he only to four games, Giggs guided his side to two wins, a draw and a loss, which seems a respectable return for a man with little to no managerial experience.
Now van Gaal’s assistant and with plenty more experience under his belt, the 42-year-old may be in line to step up if LVG were to leave.
Diego Simeone
Having won pretty much all there is win besides a Champion’s League with current side Atletico – who will get the chance to secure the trophy against Real Madrid 28th May in Milan – Simeone is one of the most sought after managers in world football.
The former Argentina international and David Beckham’s arch enemy has broken the mould of La Liga being a two horse race, with Atletico consistently competing for Spain’s major honours despite having comparatively little resources.
Manuel Pellegrini
A real long shot, but Pellegrini’s treatment at City this season has been appalling and the Chilean cannot be blamed for the lack of the success at the Etihad this campaign.
With Pep Guardiola being named as replacement earlier in the season, Pellegrini has had to contend with the knowledge that his tenure has come to an abrupt end, as well as an underperforming squad.
It would be a City fan’s worst nightmare if Pellegrini were to cross the city and bring United home Premier League glory.
